Triple (baseball) - Definition and Overview

In baseball, a triple is the act of a batter safely reaching third base by striking the ball and getting to third before being made out, without the benefit of a fielder's misplay (see error) or another runner being put out on a fielder's choice.

Because a hit only counts as a triple without a fielding error or a fielder's choice, triples have become exceedingly rare in Major League Baseball. It often requires a hit to an unoccupied part of the ballpark (as in an opposite-field hit) or the ball taking an unusual bounce in the outfield. It also requires that the batter be able to hit the ball solidly but also that he be able to run quickly. This combination of power and speed is rare, and combined with the trend for ballparks with smaller outfields has led to the career and season statistics for triples being dominated by players from the early history of baseball.

Triple leaders in Major League Baseball

Career

1. Sam Crawford - 309
2. Ty Cobb - 295
3. Honus Wagner - 252
4. Jake Beckley - 243
5. Roger Connor - 233

Season

1. Chief Wilson (1912) - 36
2. Dave Orr (1886) - 31
3. Heinie Reitz (1894) - 31
4. Perry Werden (1893) - 29
5. Harry Davis (1897) - 28