Neal Ball

Neal Ball

Cornelius "Neal" Ball (April 22, 1881 – October 15, 1957) was an American baseball shortstop who played seven seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for the New York Highlanders, Cleveland Naps and Boston Red Sox from 1907 to 1913. Although his primary position was shortstop, Ball played at second base, third base and in the outfield as well. He is most famous for being the first player to turn an unassisted triple play in Major League Baseball history on July 19, 1909.

Ball played minor league baseball for the Montgomery Senators of the Southern League until 1907, when he signed for the New York Highlanders. After spending less than three seasons with the organization, Ball was sold to the Cleveland Naps, where he spent the next two seasons. In the middle of the 1912 season, his contract was then purchased by the Boston Red Sox, with whom he played his last game on June 30, 1913. He died on October 15, 1957 in Bridgeport, Connecticut.