The Yankees on Wednesday reportedly signed minor-leaguer Nick Tropeano, who might be the only pitcher to ever throw a one-pitch strikeout.
Yes, a one-pitch strikeout.
It was with Houston Astros’ Double-A affiliate in 2013 when the Long Island native threw a called strike on the first pitch, which was quickly argued by then-Athletics minor-leaguer Vinnie Catricala.
Catricala stepped out of the batter’s box to plead his case, and refused to re-enter when told.
So, the umpire called him out, in accordance with 5.04 of the MLB rulebook: “If the batter refuses to take his position in the batter’s box during his time at bat, the umpire shall call a strike on the batter.