The Triple Play!

AWA Enterprises has turned four triple plays in its history, but none were near as important or timely as the one the team pulled off in the 1985 League Championship Game against arch-rival Fiesta Lanes. This bolt of lightning is regarded as the #1 moment in AWA's 26-year, 752-game history. In fact, among the players, it's simply known as "The Play".
This title game is tightly played from the outset, dominated by several outstanding defensive plays on both sides. Emotions are also running hot as these two hated rivals head to the bottom of the fifth inning with AWA clinging to a very tenuous 3-2 advantage.
The bottom three hitters are due up for Fiesta Lanes in the fifth, but when the first two batters each rap out singles to put runners at first and second, the AWA side of the field becomes uneasy. Earl Yagi, pitching carefully to the last hitter in the order, falls behind in the count, three balls and no strikes. With the top of the order coming up, Fiesta Lanes is primed not only to take the lead, but to blow this game wide open.
Then, with the next pitch.....
If you have Quicktime, you can see the movie. (1.1 MB)

The Fiesta Lanes' hitter gets ready for the 3-0 pitch.

He shoots a one-hopper down the third base line. Mike Applegate dives to his right and snares the ball right at the third base bag.

Mike slaps the base with his glove, jumps to his feet, and wheels the throw to second.

Gary Matsushita takes the throw at second base for the second out.

Gary then makes the quick pivot and rifles the ball to first.

Dave Jackson gives it the big stretch at first as the throw beats the hitter by a half step, completing the triple play.

Bedlam reigns outside the AWA dugout as emotions explode among the players. Fueled by "The Play", the team hangs on to win the game 6-4 and capture the 1985 league championship.

Special recognition definitely goes to photographer Ken Morse, who, by some stroke of genius or luck (we're guessing luck), decided to position himself right behind third base for that inning. What was really amazing is that Ken was still sober enough to aim the camera in the right direction and hold it rightside up.

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The Fiesta Lanes' hitter gets ready for the 3-0 pitch.	He shoots a one-hopper down the third base line. Mike Applegate dives to his right and snares the ball right at the third base bag.
Mike slaps the base with his glove, jumps to his feet, and wheels the throw to second.	Gary Matsushita takes the throw at second base for the second out.
Gary then makes the quick pivot and rifles the ball to first.	Dave Jackson gives it the big stretch at first as the throw beats the hitter by a half step, completing the triple play.
Bedlam reigns outside the AWA dugout as emotions explode among the players. Fueled by "The Play", the team hangs on to win the game 6-4 and capture the 1985 league championship.