Triple-crown

A prestigious achievement, typically in sports, where a competitor or team wins three significant, related championships or awards within a specified timeframe. This term is most frequently used in horse racing (Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes), baseball (batting - home runs, RBIs, batting average; pitching - wins, ERA, strikeouts), and less commonly in other sports such as ice hockey (regular season points leader, goals leader, assists leader) and golf (Masters Tournament, PGA Championship, US Open). The concept emphasizes comprehensive dominance and exceptional performance across multiple facets of a competition.

Triple-crown meaning with examples

• In baseball, a hitter achieving the triple crown of batting – leading the league in home runs, runs batted in (RBIs), and batting average – is a rare feat, signifying exceptional offensive prowess. The last American League triple crown winner was Miguel Cabrera in 2012. He batted .330 with 44 home runs and 139 RBIs, showcasing unmatched hitting dominance for that season.
• The jockey and horse team completed the revered triple crown, winning all three races; The Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. This victory cemented their place in the history books, demonstrating a remarkable blend of speed, endurance, and strategic riding. The stamina needed to win these long distance races is only for the best of the best, the most highly trained in their sports.
• Though not formally a 'triple crown,' winning the PGA Championship, US Open, and the Masters Tournament in the same year represents an extraordinary golfing accomplishment, signifying mastery over various course conditions and strategic approaches. This golfing achievement is a feat that requires remarkable consistency and adaptability, testing the versatility of a professional golfer.
• Although somewhat informal, winning the regular season points, goals, and assists leader in the NHL often gets labeled a 'triple crown' or 'offensive triple crown' in ice hockey. A hockey player who accomplishes this feat showcases exceptional offensive skills and strategic ability, setting a new standard of athletic excellence for years to come.