A First in MLB History: Danny Jansen Plays for Both Teams in the Same Game
In a turn of events that defied baseball's traditional norms and showcased the unexpected nature of the game, former Blue Jays and current Red Sox catcher Danny Jansen accomplished a feat never witnessed before in Major League Baseball history. He played for both teams, not just in the same game, but in the same inning.
This extraordinary occurrence was made possible by a unique combination of baseball rules and New England weather. The game in question was a resumption of a rain-delayed game that started in June. Jansen was in the Blue Jays' lineup when the game was suspended, but he had since been traded to the Red Sox.
Jansen's journey to making history began on June 26 when he was in the Blue Jays' lineup, at bat against Boston starter Kutter Crawford. He fouled off the only pitch he saw before the game was suspended due to rain. On July 27, Jansen was traded to the Boston Red Sox for three minor leaguers.
As the date for the resumption of the suspended game approached, speculation grew about the possibility of Jansen appearing for both teams. It became a topic of conversation throughout the baseball world. Red Sox manager Alex Cora, embracing the unusual situation, declared, “Let’s make history” and confirmed that Jansen would play when the game resumed.
The game resumed on Monday, August 26, at 2:06 p.m. ET, marking a delay of 65 days, 18 hours, and 35 minutes. The unusual nature of the game was apparent from the beginning, as Red Sox media relations coordinator Daveson Perez announced the changes in the Fenway Park press box: “Pinch hitting for Danny Jansen: Daulton Varsho. Defensive changes: Danny Jansen now at catcher.”
With Jansen back behind the plate, Nick Pivetta struck out Varsho to complete the at-bat Jansen started earlier in June. In the bottom half of the inning, Jansen came up to bat for the Red Sox with two outs, greeted by cheers from the sparse makeup game crowd. He hit a lazy liner to first base, ending the inning.
Despite the unusual circumstances, Jansen remained focused and professional throughout the game. “Building up until that point, maybe it was a bit strange,” Jansen said. “Once you stepped in the box and it was ‘Game on,’ I was just trying to stay present, stay locked in.”
A Moment Captured in History
Jansen's wife, kids, and friends were present to witness him achieve his place in baseball history. The moment was made even more unique by the fact that Jansen's picture on the scoreboard showed him in a Blue Jays cap, a reminder of his previous team. “When I walked out there today, yeah, I saw myself up there, for sure,” Jansen said. “That was just kind of like, ‘Well, that’s where we’re at.’”
The game itself was a testament to the bizarre and fascinating aspects of baseball. The lineup cards featured an uncommon mix of players from both teams, showcasing the unique circumstances that led to Jansen's historic moment. Blue Jays manager John Schneider expressed his excitement for Jansen, acknowledging his unusual feat and praising his ability to navigate such a unique situation. “I think it’s cool for him to kind of go down in the record books as the first player to do that,” Schneider said. “I’ve known Jano forever, and it’s something cool that he can always kind of say he was the first at, and he’s good at weird stuff. Pretty cool for him.”
Jansen ended the game with a 1-for-4 performance for Boston. He also had a single in the fifth inning, a flyout in the seventh, and a strikeout in the ninth. While his contribution to the Red Sox may not have resulted in a win, his performance during the game and the unique circumstances surrounding it will forever be etched in baseball history.
A Lasting Legacy
Jansen's historic accomplishment will be documented in various ways, ensuring that his feat is not forgotten. He will keep one of the jerseys he wore during the game, while another will be sent to the Baseball Hall of Fame. An authenticator was present to tag all of Jansen’s equipment, and the scorecard from the game has been requested by the Baseball Hall of Fame. This scorecard, with Jansen’s name listed on both teams, will serve as a tangible reminder of his unique achievement.
“This scorecard will be a great tool to document and illustrate this history, showing Danny Jansen’s name on both teams,” said Hall spokesman John Shestakofsky.
Danny Jansen's historic performance is a testament to the unexpected nature of baseball and the enduring spirit of the game. It's a story that will be told and retold for years to come, forever reminding us of the amazing possibilities that can unfold on a baseball field.
