Picking them off

Onetime Philadelphia Phillies wunderkind pitcher Art Mahaffey punctuates his major league debut 63 years ago today in a most remarkable way during the eighth inning of Philadelphia's 6-3 loss at St. Louis.

Mahaffey gives up a single to Bill White, the first batter he faces after a 1-2-3 seventh inning – and promptly picks off White at first base.

Mahaffey then gives up a single to Curt Flood, and picks him off, as well.

Four days later, Mahaffey makes his first home start at Connie Mack Stadium against San Francisco and retires the side 1-2-3 in the top of the first inning before walking Jim Marshall to open the second.

No worries. Mahaffey picks him off, too.