The Most Difficult Play in Baseball, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the play you think is the most difficult!

Updated on Apr 15, 2024 06:40

In the high-energy world of baseball, certain plays occur that leave even seasoned spectators in awe due to their complexity and rarity. Establishing which of these takes the crown for difficulty can stir quite the debate among fans and experts alike. Having a ranked list based not only on professional opinion but also on fan votes gives a holistic view of what truly resonates with the audience. By casting a vote on these jaw-dropping moments, fans contribute to a collective understanding of the game's challenges and add personal insight to the discussion. This interactive ranking isn't just about seeing which plays come out on top; it's a chance for every baseball enthusiast to engage with the sport in a meaningful way. Your votes help underline the incredible skills displayed by players at pivotal moments in the game.

What Is the Most Difficult Play in Baseball?

1

68
votes
The triple play

This is the rarest play in baseball, requiring quick thinking, precise execution, and a bit of luck. It involves turning two consecutive outs and then catching a third out before any baserunner can get back to their original base.
The triple play is an impressive defensive play in baseball where the fielding team records three outs in a single continuous play.

Number of outs: Three

Scoring: It is scored as 5-4-3 or 6-4-3 (depending on the positions of the defensive players involved) in the official scorebook.

Execution: It typically involves catching a line drive or pop-up, retiring a runner on a force play, and then completing a throw to another base to retire another runner.

Rarity: Triple plays are relatively rare in baseball due to their complexity and timing.

Excitement: Triple plays are considered one of the most exciting plays in baseball.
2

26
votes
The unassisted triple play

Bill Wambsganss

Even more rare than the triple play, this feat involves a single fielder recording all three outs in a single play without the help of any other fielders.
The unassisted triple play is a rare and impressive play in baseball where a defensive player records all three outs of an inning by himself, without the help of any teammates. It requires exceptional fielding skills, quick decision-making, and perfect timing.

Date: October 10, 1920

Venue: League Park, Cleveland, Ohio

Teams: Cleveland Indians vs. Brooklyn Dodgers

Inning: 5th inning

Position: Second baseman
3

27
votes
Hitting for the cycle

This requires a batter to hit a single, double, triple, and home run in the same game. It's rare because it requires both power and speed, as well as a bit of luck.
Hitting for the cycle is a rare and challenging feat in baseball, which involves a batter hitting a single, a double, a triple, and a home run in the same game. It requires the batter to demonstrate skill, speed, and power, as well as the ability to hit the ball to all areas of the field.

Difficulty: Hitting for the cycle is considered one of the most difficult achievements in baseball.

Rarity: It occurs relatively infrequently, with only a few instances each season across Major League Baseball.

Order of Hits: The hits must be achieved in a specific sequence: single, double, triple, and home run.

No Duplicates: Each hit must be a distinct event, meaning the batter cannot achieve the cycle with two or more hits of the same type.

Strategy: Batters often adjust their approach depending on the hits they need to complete the cycle.
4

19
votes
The perfect game

This is when a pitcher throws a complete game without allowing a single baserunner. It's incredibly difficult to achieve, as even the best pitchers in history have only done it a handful of times.
The perfect game is a legendary achievement in baseball where a pitcher, over the course of a single game, retires every single batter from the opposing team in order, without any of them reaching base. This includes not allowing any hits, walks, hit by pitches, or errors. It is considered the pinnacle of pitching perfection in the sport.

Retiring All Batters: All 27 opposing batters must be retired in order without reaching base.

No Hits Allowed: No opposing batter can achieve a hit against the pitcher.

No Walks Allowed: The pitcher must not issue any walks to opposing batters.

No Hit by Pitches: The pitcher must not hit any opposing batter with a pitch.

No Errors: The pitcher's team must not commit any errors during the game.
5

19
votes
The inside-the-park home run

This requires a batter to hit the ball in a way that allows them to run around all four bases before the ball can be fielded and thrown back to home plate. It's difficult because it requires both power and speed, as well as the ability to read the ball and the field.
The inside-the-park home run is a rare and exciting play in baseball where a batter hits the ball into play and manages to circle all four bases to score a run without the ball leaving the field of play or being caught. It requires the batter to hit the ball with precision, have excellent speed, and take advantage of gaps or errors in the outfield defense.

Difficulty: Extremely difficult to achieve due to the combination of hitting skill, speed, and defensive errors

Field Layout: Requires a baseball field with dimensions that allow for gaps between outfielders

Hitting Skill: The batter must hit the ball in a way that it reaches the outfield but is not caught or fielded by the defense

Speed: The batter must be exceptionally fast to complete the four bases before the ball is relayed back to home plate

Fielding Errors: Often relies on errors made by outfielders, such as mishandling the ball or misjudging its trajectory
6

9
votes
The hidden ball trick

This is when a fielder deceives a baserunner by pretending to throw the ball back to the pitcher but keeping it hidden in their glove. It's difficult because it requires quick thinking, precise timing, and a bit of acting ability.
The hidden ball trick is a deceptive technique used by the defending team in baseball to catch a baserunner off guard and get them out. It involves concealing the ball from the baserunner, making them believe the ball is elsewhere while the infielders maintain possession of it.

Infield positioning: Infielders position themselves strategically to maintain visual contact with the baserunner and the ball.

Execution: Requires precise timing and coordination among the defending team members.

Distracting the baserunner: Fielders may engage in acting or using verbal cues to distract the baserunner and keep their attention away from the ball.

Baserunner vulnerability: Typically, the hidden ball trick is successfully executed when the baserunner is taking a lead or is off the base.

Umpire's role: The umpire must closely watch the play and determine if the baserunner is off the base or if the fielders have complete control of the ball.
7

3
votes
The suicide squeeze

This is when a runner on third base breaks for home plate as soon as the pitcher begins their windup, hoping to score before the ball can be fielded and thrown back to home plate. It's difficult because it requires precise timing and execution, as well as the ability to read the pitcher and the defense.
The suicide squeeze is a risky and challenging baseball play that involves the base runner on third base breaking for home plate as soon as the pitcher releases the ball, while the batter attempts to lay down a bunt towards the field. The success of this play depends on the coordination and execution of both the base runner and the batter.

Timing:: The base runner must time their break towards home plate perfectly, coinciding with the pitcher's release.

Communication:: Clear and discreet signals are vital between the third base coach, batter, and the base runner.

Bunt Placement:: The batter must lay down the bunt in an area that is difficult for fielders to handle, preferably towards the first base side of the infield.

Speed:: The base runner needs to have sufficient speed to reach home plate before the defense can react and make a play.

Surprise Factor:: The element of surprise is crucial for the success of the suicide squeeze.
8

11
votes
The steal of home

Togie Pittinger

This is when a baserunner on third base breaks for home plate as soon as the pitcher begins their windup, hoping to score before the ball can be thrown back to the catcher. It's difficult because it requires both speed and courage, as well as the ability to read the pitcher and the catcher.
The steal of home is a daring base running play in baseball where a baserunner successfully advances from third base to home plate while the pitcher is delivering the ball to the batter. It is considered one of the most difficult plays to execute and requires exceptional speed, timing, and instincts.

Difficulty Level: Very Difficult

Speed Requirement: Exceptional Speed

Timing: Perfect Timing

Instincts: Keen Baseball Instincts

Risk Level: High Risk
9

5
votes
The bunt for a hit

This is when a batter lays down a bunt in such a way that they can beat the throw to first base for a single. It's difficult because it requires precise control and placement, as well as the ability to read the defense and the pitcher.
The 'Bunt for a hit' is a challenging play in baseball where the batter deliberately bunts the ball with the intention of reaching first base safely without a throw from the fielders. Instead of swinging the bat with force, the batter softly taps the ball into play, relying on speed and placement to beat the defense.

Difficulty: Considered one of the most difficult plays in baseball as it requires precise timing, exceptional control, and quick sprinting to beat the throw to first base.

Timing: Exacting timing is crucial to execute the bunt properly. The batter must read the pitcher's throw and react swiftly to bunt the ball in the perfect spot.

Placement: Proper ball placement is essential. The batter aims to softly bunt the ball within the infield, ideally avoiding the pitcher, catcher, and any charging infielders to maximize the chances of reaching base safely.

Speed: Speed is a significant asset for a successful bunt for a hit. The batter must sprint quickly out of the batter's box to ensure they have enough time to reach first base before the fielders retrieve the ball.

Fielder Awareness: The batter should take into account the defensive positioning and fielder awareness. A bunt towards an unoccupied area of the field or away from charging defenders increases the chances of success.
10

6
votes
The diving catch

Derek Jeter

This is when a fielder makes a catch by diving to the ground to snag a ball that would otherwise have fallen for a hit. It's difficult because it requires both athleticism and bravery, as well as the ability to read the ball and the field.
The diving catch is a remarkable defensive play in baseball where a fielder sprints towards a moving ball and dives to catch it before it hits the ground. It requires exceptional speed, agility, and timing to execute successfully.

Difficulty level: High

Fielding technique: Outfield or infield

Risk factor: Medium-high

Body control: Critical

Timing: Precise

Missing your favorite play?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for difficult play

Reaction Time

The time it takes for a player to recognize and react to a specific play, such as a hit ball or a base runner attempting to steal.
Speed and Trajectory of the ball

The velocity and angle at which the ball is hit or thrown can significantly impact the difficulty of a play. Faster and harder hit balls, or those with unexpected movement or spin, can make a play much more challenging to execute.
Fielding Position and Range

The player's position on the field, ability to get to the ball quickly, and range of motion can greatly impact the difficulty of a play. Some positions, such as the shortstop or center fielder, may be required to cover more ground or make more challenging throws than others.
Athletic Ability

The player's overall level of athleticism, including speed, agility, and coordination, can impact the difficulty of successfully executing a play.
Decision Making and Awareness

A player's ability to quickly assess the situation and make the correct decision can determine the success of a play. This may include evaluating the base runners, positioning of teammates, and potential outcomes of various actions.
Throwing Accuracy and Arm Strength

The player's ability to make strong, accurate throws consistently is a key factor in determining the difficulty of a play, particularly for infielders who may need to make long or challenging throws.
Catching and Glove Work

A player's ability to cleanly field and control the ball with their glove can make the difference between a routine out and a difficult play. This can be particularly challenging for infielders attempting to field hard-hit ground balls or for outfielders tracking down fly balls with unpredictable movement.
Weather and Field Conditions

Playing conditions can influence the difficulty of a play. Rain, mud, high winds, or poor visibility can make a routine play more challenging.
Pressure and Game Situation

The level of difficulty of a play can be influenced by the game situation, such as the number of outs, the score, or the inning. High-pressure situations can make even routine plays more challenging.
Runners on Base

The presence and speed of runners on base can impact the difficulty of a play, as fielders may need to factor in their movements and potential scoring threats.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult play in baseball. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or game is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1466 views
189 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each game once every 24 hours. The rank of each game is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Trendings topics

Don't miss out on the currently trending topics of StrawPoll Rankings!

Sports

The Most Famous Lighting Designer: A Ranking of Renowned Talent

Strategy

Difficulty

The Most Famous Little Person Actor: A Ranking Revealed

More information on most difficult play in baseball

Baseball is a game that requires skill, strategy, and precision. While many plays in baseball are considered challenging, some are notoriously difficult to execute. These plays often require split-second decision-making, impeccable timing, and exceptional athletic ability. From diving catches to double plays, there are a variety of plays that can be considered the most difficult in baseball. In this article, we'll explore some of the most challenging plays in baseball and examine what makes them so difficult to execute.