What Is a Triple-Double in Baseball?

Understanding the Rare and Impressive Statistic in Baseball
Written by Mark Bailey
Last updated on

A triple-double is a term you normally see in basketball. You may have never heard of it in baseball. However, baseball does have some form of its own triple-double. Read on to find out more about this elusive yet impressive feat!

KEY
POINTS
  • A triple-double in baseball is a term used to describe something extraordinary done by a player.
  • There is no official statistic, but fans and writers have used their creativity to create the baseball equivalent of a triple-double.
  • Some ways include hitting for the cycle or achieving at least eight total bases in a game. Both of these are very difficult things to accomplish.

While there is no official statistic, there has been some usage of the term for the game of baseball. There are multiple ways the term is used. One of the ways a triple-double is done is by accumulating eight total bases in one game. A base is achieved by reaching base on an error, hit, or something similar.

Definition of triple-double in baseball

A triple-double in baseball isn’t the most common thing around. Many people have never heard of this term outside of basketball. In terms of basketball, a triple-double is something very difficult to achieve. Any triple-double is celebrated when done.

Since there is no official statistic in the MLB, there are multiple meanings behind the term in baseball. One way to have a triple-double is to hit three doubles in one game. Another way is to achieve at least eight total bases in one game. If a player hits a double, he earns two bases. If he is walked, he is given one base.

As you can see, eight bases in one game are nothing to snarl at. Lastly, hitting for the cycle is seen as a triple-double in baseball. You must hit a single, double, triple, and home run in one game to hit for the cycle. As you can tell, this is extremely hard to achieve, which is why it can be called the “triple-double” of baseball.

Alternative definitions of triple-double in baseball

Most of the definitions of triple-doubles in baseball are fan-made. The MLB has no official statistics labeled “triple-double.” This leaves room for imagination for fans and players. Nearly all definitions of this term in baseball are alternative definitions that are fan-made. The most accurate definition would be to hit for a cycle.

Examples of triple-doubles in baseball history

Fernando Tatis quickly reached eight bases in one game when he hit two grand slams in one inning back in 1999. Since a home run is four bases, two of them gave Tatis eight bases and a “triple-double.”

Few other players have been skilled enough to reach this level. In 2002, Shawn Green had 19 total bases in one game when he hit four home runs, one double, and one single. These stats sound like they are straight from a video game. He achieved the baseball “triple-double” by doing this.

When it comes to other alternative definitions, hundreds, and maybe thousands, of players have hit the cycle throughout history. Austin Hays of the Baltimore Orioles is the most recent player to hit for the cycle and achieve a triple-double.

Conclusion

The triple-double is not a term commonly used in baseball. The term is used to describe something extraordinary done by a player. Since there is no official statistic, fans and writers have used their creativity to create the baseball equivalent of a triple-double. Some ways include hitting for the cycle or achieving at least eight total bases in a game. Both of these are very difficult things to accomplish. Their success should be celebrated, as this is a feat to be proud of. Maybe the MLB will someday create an official version of the baseball triple-double.

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