Danny Jansen Makes MLB History by Playing for Two Teams in the Same Game

In a quirky and unprecedented moment in Major League Baseball history, catcher Danny Jansen achieved a unique milestone on Monday, becoming the first player to appear for two different teams in a single game.

The Historic Game

The extraordinary event unfolded on June 26 when Jansen, then with the Toronto Blue Jays, was at the plate against the Boston Red Sox in a game that was subsequently suspended due to weather in the top of the second inning. At that point, Jansen had a runner on first base with one out.

After a two-month hiatus, the game resumed on Monday. During the interim, Jansen was traded from Toronto to Boston in exchange for three prospects. Upon the game’s resumption, Jansen’s new team, the Red Sox, inserted him into the lineup as a defensive replacement for catcher Reese McGuire, who had been designated for assignment.

Jansen’s Dual Role

Interestingly, Jansen appeared in the game under the banner of both teams. He began the resumed game as a Red Sox player, but his initial at-bat was still recorded as a Blue Jay. Jansen’s dual involvement was noted in the box score for both clubs, making him a historical figure in MLB records.

The official scorebook and memorabilia from this remarkable moment will be preserved at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, a testament to this rare occurrence in baseball history.

Performance and Reactions

During the resumed game, Jansen went 1-for-4, including a single to center in the fifth inning and striking out in the ninth. The game ended with the Blue Jays winning the first game of the day-night doubleheader 4-1. The second game of the doubleheader is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora expressed his appreciation for the rare event, stating, “It was a very cool moment to be a part of it. I don’t know if it’s going to happen again. It has to be like the perfect storm for that to happen.”

Conclusion

Danny Jansen’s dual role in the same game is a rare piece of baseball lore that will be remembered for its unusual circumstances and the serendipity of the suspended game. It marks a memorable chapter in MLB history and adds a unique twist to Jansen’s career.