2009: Eric Bruntlett’s game-ending unassisted triple play
The 2009 Mets season was largely forgettable, due to the rash of injuries that plagued the roster throughout the season. However, the Mets were on the short end of one truly historic play that happened on August 23 against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Mets were down 9-6 as they batted in the bottom of the 9th inning. Phillies second baseman Eric Bruntlett had already committed an error in that frame, allowing Angel Pagan to score and bringing the Mets to within two runs. Daniel Murphy followed with a single, giving the Mets runners on first and second with no outs. Jeff Francoeur then stepped up to the plate, a chance to tie the game with an extra-base hit.
Instead, he hit a line drive to Bruntlett, who promptly stepped on second base and tagged out Murphy. A 4-unassisted triple play to end the game. It was just the second game-ending unassisted triple play in MLB history, the other one turned back in 1927 by John Neun of the Detroit Tigers.
If anyone is curious, this play is immortalized on an endless video loop in the Baseball Hall of Fame, along with Bruntlett’s game-used jersey. Mets fans, next time you visit the Hall of Fame and stroll through the “One For The Books” exhibit, you might want to cover your eyes as you walk past this section.