Triple (3B)

Definition

Often called "the most exciting play in baseball," a triple occurs when a batter hits the ball into play and reaches third base without the help of an intervening error or attempt to put out another baserunner.

Triples are almost exclusively hit by faster players because Major League defenses are usually able to get the ball back to the infield before a slower runner can attempt to take third base. Also, triples are more likely to occur on balls hit to the right side of the field, because the throw from right field to third base is tougher than the throw coming from left field to third.

Because of the nature of a triple -- with the batter covering three bases, or 270 feet -- there is almost always a close play at third base. Stand-up triples are very rare.

In A Call

"three-bagger," "three-base hit," "extra bases," "the most exciting play in baseball"