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October 10, 1920: Wambsganss and the World Series’ only unassisted triple play

Cleveland’s second baseman turned a fifth-inning line drive into three outs in Game 5 at League Park.

By The Sporting Page Editorial StaffTSP Original
Bill Wambsganss poses with three Brooklyn players after the 1920 World Series triple play.
Bill Wambsganss with Pete Kilduff, Clarence Mitchell and Otto Miller, circa 1920. · Credit: L. Van Oeyen / Library of Congress, LC-USZ62-97623

On October 10, 1920, Bill Wambsganss completed the only unassisted triple play in World Series history, ending a Brooklyn threat during Cleveland’s 8–1 victory in Game 5 at League Park.1

Pete Kilduff and Otto Miller had opened the fifth inning with singles. Clarence Mitchell then hit a line drive toward second base with both runners moving.

Wambsganss caught the ball, stepped on second to retire Kilduff and tagged Miller, who was running from first. One fielder had made all three outs without throwing the ball.

The play was part of an unusually eventful game. Elmer Smith had hit the World Series’ first grand slam in the opening inning, and Cleveland pitcher Jim Bagby added the first Series home run by a pitcher in the fourth.

The Series was then a best-of-nine contest. Cleveland’s win broke a 2–2 tie and moved the club toward its first championship.

The triple play remains memorable because its circumstances briefly placed every required out within the second baseman’s reach. Wambsganss recognised that opportunity and completed it before either runner could recover.