Little Leaguers from the West Vancouver Mariners turned a tough inning into a thing of beauty last week when they picked up one of baseball’s rarest feats: a triple play.
The Mariners were in a jam during the fourth inning of their June 5 game against the Bowen Island Indians, allowing runners to reach first and second with no one out.
A looping line drive looked like it would score at least one but shortstop Daniel Johnston had other ideas, making a shoestring catch to record out No. 1. Johnston then threw to second baseman Jonathan Beach who got the force at second for out No. 2. Beach then fired to first baseman Kent Winsborrow who stepped on first before the runner could scamper back, ringing up out No. 3.
“It was a brilliant day and it was a brilliant play, and the players were only nine years old!” wrote parent and witness Colin Beach in a message to the North Shore News. “It was an extraordinary finish to a ‘bang, bang’ triple play that left the fans and coaches incredulous, and the Mariners overjoyed.”
The Mariners went on to win the game 12-11.
