Baseball has a long history filled with legendary plays and unforgettable moments. We thought we’d share some of the craziest ones we’ve seen. Players pitching with both hands; outfielders scaling stadium walls like Spider-Man; left-handed third basemen and catchers–these are but a few of the many bizarre moments in sports history. Of course, official games of baseball have been played for almost 180 years, and we’re sure that there’ve been crazier moments than these, but among those weird moments, these are the ones that are recorded in film for our enjoyment. So here is a list of 10 of the weirdest moments in Major League Baseball history, from comically weird to outright bizarre and even seemingly supernatural. Baseball never disappoints in it surprises, and we hope this list will enhance your enjoyment of this wonderful game.
But first:
How I Chose These Moments
I’ve watched hundreds of baseball games over a span of 38 years, both live and recorded, has given me a unique perspective on the sport. The moments included in this list are not only extraordinary but have personally stood out to me. Each one was carefully selected based on its uniqueness, impact on the game, and the sheer awe it inspired. These wacky feats and plays showcase the unpredictable and captivating essence of baseball that continues to capture the imaginations of fans worldwide.
Get ready to relive these incredible moments on the baseball diamond. From gravity-defying catches to the unexpected dance-off between players, witness jaw-dropping moments that make baseball the thrilling and unpredictable sport that it is–and keep fans on the edge of their seats.
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1. Benny Distefano of the Pittsburgh Pirates Plays as a Left-Handed Catcher
Left handed catchers in baseball are extremely rare. The reason is that left-handed catchers would have a disadvantage when throwing to second place, due to the fact that most hitters are right handed. For three games in 1989, the Pittsburgh Pirates would use Benny Distefano as a left-handed catcher. Benny looked the bit awkward behind the plate, dropping the ball three times after it was handed to him by the umpire. DiStefano is the last player in Major League Baseball to play catcher left-handed.
2. Don Mattingly Makes a Double Play Playing Third Base
One of the most bizarre moments in baseball history took place when the legendary New York Yankees first baseman, Don Mattingly, was asked to play third base during a game in 1986. Mike Pagliarulo, the everyday third baseman, was injured at the time, and Mattingly played at the position for three games. Mattingly, known for his exceptional skills at first base, was switched to the hot corner due to a strategic move by the Yankees’ manager. In an unusual turn of events, Mattingly not only played third base but also executed a remarkable unassisted double play at that position, which is a rare feat. This unexpected and impressive performance by Mattingly added to the lore of strange and memorable moments in the world of baseball.
3. Pat Venditte Pitches With Both Arms in One Game
Pat Venditte, a pitcher for the Oakland Athletics, achieved the remarkable feat of pitching with both his left and right arms in a single game in 2015. Venditte, who is ambidextrous, became the first pitcher in decades to do so in a Major League Baseball game (Expos pitcher Glenn A. Harris performed the same feat in a game on September 28th, 1995). Venditte would switch his custom-made six-finger glove between hands depending on whether he was facing a right-handed or left-handed batter. This astonishing display of ambidextrous pitching made for an unforgettable spectacle in the world of baseball and showcased Venditte’s exceptional talent and versatility on the mound.
4. Andrew Romine Plays All Nine Positions in One Game
Andrew Romine, a versatile player for the Detroit Tigers, accomplished the remarkable feat of playing all nine positions in a single Major League Baseball game. This extraordinary achievement took place on September 30, 2017. Throughout the game, Romine made appearances at each of the 9 defensive position, including pitcher, catcher, first base, second base, third base, shortstop, left field, center field, and right field. This was only the fourth time in Major League Baseball history that such a feat occurred, and the first since the year 2000.
5. Darryl Strawberry Hits the Top of Olympic Stadium
On Opening Day in 1988, Darryl Strawberry, playing for the New York Mets, hit a towering 525-foot (160 meters) home run that actually struck the top of the stadium’s roof. Olympic Stadium, which was the home of the Montreal Expos at the time, had a retractable roof that could be opened or closed. Strawberry’s blast was so powerful and high that it hit one of the stadium’s support beams near the roof. It was a remarkable display of both Strawberry’s hitting prowess and the unique challenges presented by the stadium’s architecture. That day, Strawberry and Kevin McReynolds each hit two home runs, Contributing to the teams total of six. It was an Opening Day that will never be forgotten.
6. Eric Bruntlett Turns an Unassisted Triple Play to End a Game
Eric Bruntlett, playing for the Philadelphia Phillies, turned an unassisted triple play to end a game against the New York Mets on August 23, 2009. This feat is extremely uncommon in baseball, as unassisted triple plays are a rare occurrence. In the ninth inning of a close game, with runners on first and second, a line drive was hit right at Bruntlett, who was playing second base. He caught the ball for the first out, stepped on second base to retire the runner coming from first for the second out, and then tagged the runner coming from first, completing the unassisted triple play and ending the game. This astonishing and bizarre play secured the victory for the Phillies and etched Bruntlett’s name in baseball history for one of the most extraordinary defensive plays ever witnessed on a baseball diamond.
7. Lenny Randle Blows Ball Foul
On May 27, 1981, during a game involving the Kansas City Royals and the Seattle Mariners, Amos Otis, a player for the Royals, found himself in an unusual situation due to the actions of the Mariners’ third baseman, Lenny Randle. During an at-bat, Otis hit a foul ball that appeared to be a routine play for Randle at third base. In a truly unconventional move, Randle decided to blow at the ball. This unique and unexpected maneuver caused the ball to move past the foul line, preventing Otis from being caught out as per the rules. The umpires, after assessing the situation, ruled that Amos Otis should be awarded first base.
8. Otis Nixon Makes a Spectacular Catch to Rob Andy Van Slyke of a Home Run
In the 9th inning of a game in July 1992, Otis Nixon, a center fielder for the Atlanta Braves, made a spectacular catch to rob Andy Van Slyke of the Pittsburgh Pirates of a home run. Nixon sprinted to the outfield wall, timed his jump perfectly, and scaled the wall to make the catch at the peak of his leap. In an astonishing display of agility and defensive prowess, he managed to snag the ball just before it would have cleared the fence. Nixon’s jaw-dropping catch not only saved a crucial moment in the game but also played a pivotal role in preserving the Braves’ impressive 13-game winning streak. This remarkable feat remains etched in baseball history as one of the most iconic and acrobatic catches ever witnessed on a baseball field.
9. Carlton Fisk Hits a Walk-off Home Run 1975 World Series
In one of the most iconic moments in baseball history, Carlton Fisk, a catcher for the Boston Red Sox, hit a dramatic walk-off home run in the 12th inning of Game 6 of the 1975 World Series. Fisk’s historic home run came exactly 12:34 a.m. against the Cincinnati Reds and is often referred to as “Fisk’s Game 6 Home Run.” As Fisk stepped up to the plate with the game tied, he hit a towering fly ball down the left-field line. While the ball was in the air, Fisk famously waved his arms, trying to “will” the ball fair as he ran down the first base line. Miraculously, the ball struck the foul pole, just inside the left-field foul line, and dropped into the seats for a home run. Fisk’s reaction as he jumped and waved his arms while watching the ball remains an enduring image in baseball history. This walk-off homer gave the Red Sox a thrilling 7-6 victory and forced a Game 7 in the 1975 World Series.
10. Fernando Tatis Hits Two Grand Slams in One Inning vs. Dodgers
On April 23, 1999, Fernando Tatis, a young and talented player for the St. Louis Cardinals, made baseball history by hitting not one but two grand slam home runs in a single inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers. During the top of the second inning, with the bases loaded, Tatis launched a grand slam off Dodgers pitcher Chan Ho Park. Later in the same inning, after several Cardinals players reached base, Tatis stepped up to the plate again and incredibly hit his second grand slam of the inning. This made him the first player in MLB history to accomplish such a remarkable feat.