Double play facts for kids

A double play is one of the most exciting plays in baseball. It happens when the defensive team gets two players out during a single play. This is a big deal because it quickly removes two offensive players from the bases or from scoring. Baseball fans often call it "the pitcher's best friend." This is because it helps the pitcher get out of tough situations.

What is a Double Play?

A double play means two outs happen on one continuous action. Imagine a baserunner is on first base. A batter hits the ball. If the defensive team can get both the batter (who is now a runner) and the runner from first base out, that's a double play. It's a quick way to end an inning or stop a scoring chance.

How Double Plays Happen

There are several ways a double play can occur. The most common type involves a ground ball.

The 6-4-3 Double Play

This is the most frequent type of double play. It starts with a runner on first base.

• The batter hits a ground ball to the shortstop (position 6).
• The shortstop fields the ball and throws it to the second baseman (position 4).
• The second baseman steps on second base to get the runner from first out. This is a force out.
• Then, the second baseman quickly throws the ball to the first baseman (position 3).
• The first baseman catches the ball before the batter-runner reaches first base. This gets the batter out.
• Two outs are made: the runner from first and the batter.

Other Types of Double Plays

• Line Drive or Pop-Up Double Play: If a fielder catches a line drive or a pop-up (a fly ball), the batter is out. If a runner was on base and left too early, the fielder can throw to that base to get the runner out too. This is called "doubling off" the runner.
• Force Play at Other Bases: A double play can also happen at third base or home plate. For example, if runners are on first and second, and a ground ball is hit, the defense might try to get the runner going to third and then throw to first.
• Strikeout-Throw Out: Sometimes, a catcher can complete a double play. If a batter strikes out, and a runner tries to steal a base, the catcher can throw to that base to get the runner out. This is a less common but exciting double play.

Why Double Plays are Important

Double plays are very important in baseball. They can quickly change the game.

• Ending Threats: If the other team has runners on base, a double play can end their chance to score. It turns a dangerous situation into two quick outs.
• Helping Pitchers: Pitchers love double plays because they reduce the number of batters they have to face. This saves their energy and helps them get out of tough innings.
• Momentum Shift: A big double play can give the defensive team a boost of confidence. It can also make the offensive team feel frustrated.

Double Play Records

Many great players have been part of double plays throughout baseball history.

• Mickey Vernon was a first baseman who played for 20 years. He was involved in 2,044 double plays during his career. This shows how important first basemen are in completing these plays.
• Frank Chance was another famous first baseman from the early 1900s. He was known for his part in the famous "Tinker to Evers to Chance" double play combination for the Chicago Cubs.

Double plays are a key part of baseball strategy. They show teamwork, quick thinking, and skill from the defensive players.

Images for kids

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  After stepping on second base, Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Max Moroff throws to first base to complete a double play as Baltimore Orioles baserunner Seth Smith slides into the base

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  Mickey Vernon was part of 2044 double plays in his 20-year career.

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  Chance