BOSTON – Danny Jansen, a catcher for the Boston Red Sox and former player for the Toronto Blue Jays, made history by playing for both teams in the same Major League Baseball game, an unprecedented event. Not only did he play for both sides, but he did so within the same inning.
This statistical anomaly was made possible by the baseball rule book and the prolonged New England rain delays, allowing Jansen to be the first player to appear on both sides of a baseball box score. The unique occurrence took place during the resumption of a rain-delayed game from June, where Jansen started for the Blue Jays before being traded to the Red Sox.
After going 1 for 4 for Boston and contributing to a Blue Jays victory, Jansen expressed surprise and pride in his record-setting achievement. “It’s cool, leaving a stamp like that on the game. It’s interesting, and it’s strange. And I’m grateful for the opportunity to have that,” he said.
Originally playing for Toronto, Jansen faced Boston pitcher Kutter Crawford on June 26, where he fouled off the only pitch he saw before the game was suspended due to rain. He was traded to Boston on July 27.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora acknowledged the significance of the moment, indicating his intent to have Jansen play when the suspended game resumed, stating, “Let’s make history.” He reflected on the event, saying, “It was a very cool moment, just to be part of it. I don’t know if it’s going to happen again.”
The game resumed 65 days after the initial delay. As it restarted, Red Sox media relations coordinator Daveson Perez announced Jansen’s transition from pinch-hitting for himself to catching. After striking out potential pinch-hitter Daulton Varsho, Jansen came to bat again, receiving cheers from the crowd and hitting a grounder to end the inning.
Witnessing this historic moment were Jansen’s family and friends, who saw his image displayed on the scoreboard in a Blue Jays cap. Reflecting on the situation, Jansen said, “When I walked out there today, yeah, I saw myself up there.”
Prior to the resumption, umpires and coaches engaged in discussions over the unusual lineup changes. Blue Jays manager John Schneider praised Jansen’s achievement, emphasizing the significance of being in the record books.
Jansen also noted that he wore multiple jerseys during the game, planning to keep one for himself and send another to the Baseball Hall of Fame, where an official authenticator was present to document his equipment. The Hall of Fame has requested the game scorecard to commemorate this extraordinary milestone, showcasing Jansen’s unique participation for both teams.