Thre Triples in One Game

Hitting three triples in s game has become a rare batting feat.   Maybe it should be described as a rare base-running feat as well, because speed on the base paths is also very helpful.   In fact, the last two times it has been accomplished it took two very fast runners.   Bert Campaneris hit three triples in a game for the A’s in 1967, and late last season, Al Bumbry did it for the Orioles.   Neither is known for batting power, although Campy surprised everyone with 22 homers in 1970.

There have been three dozen players hitting a trio of triples in a game since 1900, but only ten of them did it in the last 44 years.   Two players did it twice — British-born Dave Brain for the Cardinals and Pirates in 1905, and Jim Bottomley for the Cards in 1923 and 1927.

In the early years of this century it was somewhat easier to perform this feat.   Playing areas were a little larger and the ball was a little deader — at least it did not go flying out of the park as frequently as it did later.   Players at all regular positions were able to accomplish the “three-squared triumph,” even catcher Pat Moran in 1905.  And the latest entry — Al Bumbry – did it as a designated hitter.   No pitcher was ever able to collect a trio of three-baggers in one game except for Jouett Meekin for the Giants on July 4, 1894.   And he had a little assistance that day as long balls hit into the overflow outfield crowd went for three bases.   Three triples were accomplished more frequently in those days – a couple of players even hit four triples in a game prior to 1900.

Five of the players hitting three triples in a game since 1900 did it in extra innings.  For Joe Judge of the Senators it was a 19-inning game in 1921.   At the other end of the spectrum there was the case of Lou Gehrig, who hit three triples in a game that went only 4½ innings.  Actually it did not qualify as a game and Gehrig’s three-baggers went down the drain with the rain that cancelled the game.  A little more detail about that particular situation might be of interest.

On June 29, 1934, the Yankees were playing an exhibition game in Norfolk, Virginia.   Gehrig was hit in the head by a pitch which rendered him unconscious.   He was taken to a local hospital where X-rays disclosed no serious damage.  He made the overnight shipboard trip to Washington for the next game, but it was believed that his streak of 1414 consecutive games would come to an end.  However, he showed up at Griffith Stadium and got into the lineup.   In the first inning, he scored Crosetti and Ruth with a twisting triple to left that got by Heinie Manush.  In the third he hit another three-bagger and scored on Myril Hoag’s single. Both of these drives were off southpaw Walter Stewart.  In the top of the fifth, Gehrig tripled off Alex McColl, the 40-year-old reliever for the Mats.  Heavy winds came up when the Senators were batting in the bottom of the fifth, trailing 4-1.  There was dust that sent the fans scurrying for shelter, and then rain.   After a delay of more than one hour, umpires Bill McGowan and Brick Owens called the game.  About 7000 fans got rain checks, but Gehrig had his triples wiped off the books.  Looking back it was noted that Senator Manager Joe Cronin had disputed a play in the second inning — resulting in a delay that might have had a bearing on the ultimate outcome.

Gehrig, of course, was known for his power at bat; he was not known for speed on the bases.   What about the 36 players who hit three triples in a game?  Were they known for power or speed?  Or was it both – or neither?  We though we would embellish the list of triple hitters with a notation about their reputation for speed or power – two important factors in hitting triples.

Players Hitting Three Triples in a Game Since 1900

Date				Player and Club	Speed	Power
July	13	1900		Harry Wolverton, Phil.NL
Apr.	18	1901		Jim Sheckard, Bkn. NL	x
July	6	1902		Elmer Flick, Clev. AL	x	x
July	28	1903		Bill Bradley, Clev. AL
Sep.	5	1903		Pat Dougherty, Bos. AL	x
Sep.	22	1903 (2)		Mike Donlin, Cin. NL	x	x
Sep.	26	1903 (1)		William Lush, Det. AL	x
July	13	1904		Nap Lajoie, Clev. AL	x	x
Oct.	8	1904 (2)		Miller Higgins, Cin.   NL	x
May	29	1905		Dave Brain, StL. NL
Aug.	8	1905		Dave Brain, Pitt. NL
Aug.	10	1905		Pat Moran, Bos. NL
Aug.	30	1906 (2)		Hal Chase, N.Y. AL	x
July	24	1911		Owen Wilson, Pitt. NL		x
June	30	1912 (2)		Joe Jackson, Clev. AL	x	x
Apr.	24	1913		Gus Williams, StL. AL	x
May	11	1920		Ross Youngs, N.Y. NL	x
Sep.	27	1921 (1)		Ray Powell, Bos. NL
Sep.	9	1922		Bill Jacobson, StL. AL		x
Aug.	9	1921		Joe Judge, Wash. AL	x
Aug.	13	1922		Chas. Hollocher, Chi. NL	x
May	15	1923		Jim Bottomley, StL. NL		x
Sep.	12	1925		Jack Tavener, Det. AL
Sep.	22	1926		Lester Bell, StL. NL		x
June	21	1927		Jim Bottomley, StL. NL		x
Sep.	22	1927		Earle Combs, N.Y. AL
July	31	1929		Lance Richbourg, Boa. NL	x
Aug.	5	1929		Chas. Gehringer, Get. AL	x	x
May	13	1937		Joe Kuhel, Wash. AL	x	x
Aug.	28	1938		Joe DiMaggio, N.Y. AL		x
July	3	1939		Ben Chapman, Clev. AL	x
May	2	1953		Carlos Bernier, Pitt. NL	x
June	13	1956		Danny O’Connell, Bos, NL
Sep.	8	1958		Rob. Clemente, Pitt. NL		x
Sep.	15	1960		Willie Mays, S.F. NL	x	x
June	11	1966		Ernie Banks, Chi. NL		x
Aug.	29	1967		Bert Campaneris, K.C. AL	x
Sep.	22	1973		Al Bumbry, Balt. AL	x