The world of baseball statistics is explored in a decidedly fun way in “The Immaculate Inning.” It takes a refreshing, big-picture view of some of the most unusual feats in the game. Baseball researcher Joe Cox devotes each of 30 chapters to one rare feat, such as pitchers who have struck out four batters in a single inning. That’s been accomplished 87 times between 1885 and its most recent occurrence in 2017. As you might imagine, there are numerous revelations and surprises along way. For example, seven players have stolen six bases in a single game, but none of them were noted base thieves Rickey Henderson, Lou Brock, or Vince Coleman. The last player to join this exclusive fraternity was Tampa Bay’s Carl Crawford in 2009.
Here’s an excerpt from The Immaculate Inning:
“It sounds like some sort of bizarre science-fiction fantasy. How do you strike out four batters in an inning? The answer lies in Rule 5.05(a)(2), which provides that if a third strike is not caught, and first base is either unoccupied, or is occupied with two out, then the batter can run for first base. If that discussion doesn’t work, ask any surviving Brooklyn Dodger fan about Mickey Owen, and be regaled with the story of his dropping a third strike in the 1941 World Series. With a dropped (or just plain missed) third strike from a catcher, a fourth strikeout is now possible. Even a fifth is possible, although that hasn’t happened yet.
“So what kind of pitcher gets four strikeouts in an inning? Many, many different kinds, but the common thread is having good enough stuff to strike out four batters – and to elude his own catcher on a strikeout. Beyond that, every one of the 87 four-strikeout innings has its own peculiar story.”
