A circus acrobat-turned-outfielder tumbled into the record books on July 19, 1911.
Vernon Tigers center fielder Walter Carlisle flipped forward when snagging a fly ball in the bottom of the sixth inning with Los Angeles Angels runners on at first and second. “Carlisle regained his feet and ran to second base, retiring the runner Moore, who had rounded third and was most of the way toward home plate. After doubling off Moore, Carlisle switched direction slightly and ran toward first base, where he tripled off that runner, Metzer, who was still between second and third — completing an unusual unassisted triple play,” Carlisle’s SABR bio described.