In baseball, a double play refers to a series of actions of players that lead to two outs during the same continuous play. It can happen anytime during a game whenever there are fewer than two outs and there is one baserunner in play. It is understood that a play can last long enough until an outfielder reaches the infield, and the actions are recorded as a double play.
Outfielders and Catchers
In a 7-2, 8-2, or 9-2 double play, an outfielder catches a fly ball, and the catcher tags out a runner who is attempting to tag up and score from third base. In this kind of double play, the players involved are the left-fielder (7), the center fielder (8), the catcher (2), and a right-fielder (9).Once in a Lifetime Play
A once-in-a-lifetime double play that took place in a major league baseball game is one that took place in July 1985. Missouri University football player Phil Bradley was on second base, while Gorman Thomas was on the right. Jesse Barfield of the Seattle Mariners threw a strong ball and charged right up to Buck Martinez of the Toronto Blue Jays.Martinez managed to catch the ball, but fell and broke his leg and dislocated his ankle when Bradley who was then attempting to score, slid straight into him. Buck also had to absorb the brunt of Barfield’s charge. Martinez tried to catch Thomas; he was on second and threw the ball towards the left field. On this, Thomas rounded on third base and was in a position to score. The outfielder, George Bell, was then in the left-field at the shallow end, swiftly threw the ball back to the injured Martinez. Martinez tagged Thomas on a hop.