Catcher throwing out runners
by Tommy Knight
(Mtn Home Arkansas)
Out at second
Tommy asked: In MLB has a catcher ever had 3 put outs in the same inning on attemped steals?
Rick answered: Tommy, thank you for your question!
Credit for the answer to your question goes to yankee dinosaur blog
When a runner is thrown out by the catcher, the catcher gets credit for a runner thrown out, which is used in figuring their percentages for runners thrown out.
In the scorebook it gets recorded as an assist for the catcher, with the put out going to whichever fielder makes the tag.
In 1914 Yankee backup catcher Les Nunamaker sort of establishes the unique record you asked about.
It is the first time in an MLB post 1900 contest in which a catcher has thrown out 3 runners in one inning.
It is also the only inning ever recorded in an MLB contest in which the side was retired without a single batted ball having been put in play.
Nunamaker's feat is erroneously listed in many record books as having thrown out 3 runners in the inning, when in reality he only threw out two, and picked off one.
In the 7th inning of a game vs. the Tigers in Detroit, the hosts are coasting along behind starter Harry Coveleski with a 4-0 lead.
The Tigers threaten to increase their lead when Yankee pitcher Len "KIng" Cole walks Hugh High, who is substituting for the injured Ty Cobb, on four straight pitches.
On Cole's next pitch to Sam "Wahoo" Crawford, High takes off for second and is gunned down by Nunamaker's perfect strike to Yankee second baseman Luke Boone.
Cole's control problems continue and he walks Crawford, who also takes off for second at the first opportunity, this time successful.
Bobby Veach then comes to the plate, and in the course of his at bat, Nunamaker picks Crawford off of second base.
Veach ultimately walks and decides to steal as well, thrown out by Nunamaker for the third out.
Pretty strange set of circumstances coming together in this half inning, for the catcher to have that many opportunities.
Yours in baseball,
Rick
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