Triple threat A single fielder completing all three outs is the rarest sort of triple play and one of the rarest happenings in baseball. Only 15 unassisted triple plays have occurred in MLB history, making this achievement rarer than a perfect game. A triple play can be completed in two ways: via the runner-to-third base route or via the runner-to-home plate route. A triple play can be initiated by any member of the offensive team; however, the manager is responsible for ordering his players to move toward the appropriate base before the at-bat is finished. If a manager fails to do so, this is known as leaving your feet at third base or at home plate. The most common way for a triple play to occur is when a pitcher gets the bat out of his hands by means of an automatic double-play ball. This has happened 129 times in MLB history. Second on the list is when a catcher positions himself between the pitcher and batter and signals for the infielders to get him out. This has happened 75 times in MLB history. Finally, there are 13 instances where a single fielder has been able to handle all three outs after a walk or hit by pitch. This has never happened before an audience. The triple play is an exciting event in baseball that fans love and hate simultaneously. Hating because they think it's unfair and cheating, but loving because it's such an amazing feat.