50-for-50: Unassisted Triple Play in 1977
In 2021 LB celebrates the 50-year anniversary of its athletics program. Beginning in January, we will highlight people, teams and moments from the past five decades of Roadrunner Athletics. You can nominate a former athlete, coach, team, supporter or memorable moment from LB Athletics using this form.
-----------
The Early Years: 1969-1979
Relief Pitcher Trower Records Unassisted Triple Play in 1977
On May 11, 1977 the Roadrunners were trailing 9-2 in the fourth inning against Lower Columbia in Longview, Wash. and things didn't look good for LB.
With bases loaded and no outs, Coach Dave Dangler called on Tim Trower to take the mound in relief. As Trower took the mound, Dangler quipped something to the effect of "just strike out three and a row." Trower didn't get even one strikeout. He managed an alternative solution to the precarious situation.
Trower recorded the rarest of all baseball feats: an unassisted triple play.
As he entered his windup, Trower noticed the runner on third dashing for home, indicating a hit and run was on. The batter attempted to bunt the ball, but it looped in the air towards third base. Trower ran and caught the ball for our number one. His momentum carried him towards third base where he stepped on the bag for out number two. The runner on second base had already made his way to third because of the hit and run play, so Trower was able to tag that runner for out number three.
Adding to the incredible day, the Roadrunners rallied to beat Lower Columbia 12-11, with Trower earning the win.
According to a quick Google search, the chances of completing an unassisted triple play are 1 in 12,492, making it more rare than pitching a perfect game. There have only been 15 unassisted triple plays recorded in Major League Baseball according to Wikipedia.
