New York Mets: The oddest on-field moments in franchise history

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES: New York Mets' manager Bobby Valentine watches batting practice 23 October 2000 at Shea Stadium in Flushing Meadows, NY. The Mets trail the New York Yankees 2-0 in the World Series with game three on 24 October. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES: New York Mets' manager Bobby Valentine watches batting practice 23 October 2000 at Shea Stadium in Flushing Meadows, NY. The Mets trail the New York Yankees 2-0 in the World Series with game three on 24 October. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images)
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NEW YORK – AUGUST 23: Second baseman Eric Bruntlett #4 of the Philadelphia Phillies ends the game with an unassisted triple play as he tags out Daniel Murphy #28 of the New York Mets for the third out. Bruntlett turned the 15th unassisted triple play in MLB history, and only the second that ended a game. With runners on first and second in the ninth inning, Jeff Francoeur hit a line drive up the middle that Bruntlett caught for the first out, then stepped on second to double up Luis Castillo and finally tagged Murphy for the third out. The Phillies won 9-7. (Photo by Jason Szenes/Getty Images)

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.

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