A 1-2-3 double play in baseball is a double play that occurs when the bases are loaded. Here, the ball gets to the pitcher, assigned as 1, and then the ball is thrown to the catcher, designated as 2.
The catcher will get the runner coming home on the force out, and the catcher will throw the ball to the first baseman, referred to as 3. This type of double play will get the batter out.
When Does A Double Play Occur?
A double play happens when two offensive players are ruled out during a single game. There are different ways to make a double play happen. It can be unassisted when a fielder catches a ball hit in the air and tags a base runner. It can also occur when more than one defensive player makes the double play successful.
Is A 1-2-3 Double Play Frequently Seen?
A 1-2-3 double play is not usually seen compared to the 6-4-3, the 4-6-3, and the 5-4-3 double plays.
The only time that baseball fans witnessed a 1-2-3 double play was in the no-hit shutout pitch by Jack Morris in the year 1984.
1-2-3 Double Play Considered the Best
Many baseball fans believe that the 1-2-3 double play is the best of its kind. First, it is because it uses the most kinetic energy. Here, the ball goes from the pitcher to the batter and then to the pitcher. After that, the ball goes to the catcher. The ball will then go to the first base.
Baseball fans likewise refer to the 1-2-3 double play as the one that puts a lot of pressure on the pitcher because he is in such an impossible situation. The reason behind this is because the bases are loaded with fewer than two outs. To get out of such a situation, the pitcher has to field the ball then throw it back home.
The Other Types of Double Play
The 6-4-3 double play is one of the most often used double plays. Here, the ball hits the ground to get to the shortstop. The shortstop will then throw it to the second baseman. The baseman then steps into the second base before the runner reaches it then the first out happens. The second baseman later turns and throws the ball to the first baseman before the hitter touches the first base resulting in the second out.
Another kind is force double play. Here, a fielder throws the ball to the catcher at the home plate. The catcher will then step on the plate and throw the ball to the first base before the runner reaches it.