Walter Carlisle
From BR Bullpen
Walter G. Carlisle (Rosy)
- Bats Both, Throws Right
- Height 5' 9", Weight 154 lb.
- Debut May 8, 1908
- Final Game May 11, 1908
- Born July 6, 1883 in Yorkshire, England
- Died May 27, 1945 in Los Angeles, CA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Walter Carlisle, although more famous for something he did in the minors, played 3 games in the major leagues in 1908. Also trying for a job in the outfield of the Boston Red Sox was a 20-year-old named Tris Speaker.
On July 19, 1911, while playing for Vernon of the Pacific Coast League in a game against Los Angeles, Carlisle completed the only known example of an unassisted triple play by a centerfielder. Carlisle made a diving catch off the bat of Roy Akin just behind second base with runners on first and second, but the runners had taken off with the hit, so he touched second, and then ran by himself all the way back to first to complete the triple play.
It is said he was a former circus acrobat.
In the following year, Akin pulled off his own unassisted triple play, albeit as an infielder.
Carlisle led the PCL in triples three times - 1911 (10), 1912 (17) and 1915 (14). He also hit the most homers in the league in '07 (14) and the most doubles in '11 (49).
- He is one of 30 major league players born in England. He and his contemporary Harry Smith are among the few born in Yorkshire.
- Played in the American Association in 1902 - and in 1920.
