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Are you wondering what a perfect game is in baseball? Let's talk about it!
Baseball is one of the oldest known institutions in American culture. The sport has been dubbed 'Americas Pastime" because of how important the sport has been over the course of its history. A little game that was invented in 1839 is now enjoyed by millions of people around the world at the highest level.
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Now almost 200 years later, the game has been tried and tested amongst several generations of newcomers to the sport. While there have been renaissance and shifting popularity in different positions, pitching has always been the premier position. That's because pitching controls the game on defense, in the same way a quarterback controls the offense in football.
There have been a number of exceptional pitchers to come through the MLB in its history, but only a select few have completed a 'perfect game'.
Here's a breakdown of what a perfect game is and the players who have completed this rare feat.
What is A No Hitter?
A no-hitter in baseball refers to a game in which a pitcher (or a combination of pitchers) does not allow the opposing team to record a hit throughout the entire game, whether it's a single, double, triple, or home run. The pitcher(s) must pitch a complete game (nine innings) or more without allowing a hit for it to be officially recognized as a no-hitter.
To achieve a no-hitter, the pitcher(s) must display exceptional skill and accuracy in their pitches, as well as receive support from their teammates in the field. They need to effectively retire all opposing batters without allowing them to reach base via a hit. However, it's important to note that a pitcher can still allow baserunners through walks, hit-by-pitches, or errors, and still have a no-hitter intact as long as no hits are recorded.
No-hitters are considered rare and remarkable achievements in baseball, often resulting in significant media attention and celebration for the pitcher and their team. There have been a total of 318 no-hitters completed in the MLB, with Nolan Ryan holding the record of seven of them across his hall-of-fame career.
What is A Perfect Game?
A perfect game in baseball is an even more exceptional feat than a no-hitter. It occurs when a pitcher or a combination of pitchers retire every batter from the opposing team in order, without allowing any batter to reach base in any way. This means no hits, walks, hit-by-pitches, or errors are allowed throughout the entire game.
It requires the pitcher(s) to display exceptional skill, precision, and consistency throughout the game. The pitcher must throw strikes, induce weak contact or strikeouts, and receive support from their teammates in the field to make all the necessary defensive plays.
Perfect games are extremely rare and require a touch of luck. Like no-hitters, perfect games receive significant attention and are celebrated as extraordinary accomplishments in the sport. There have been a total of 23 perfect games in MLB history, with no pitcher throwing more than one, and only once has one been thrown in a postseason game.
Lee Richmond: June 12, 1880
John Montgomery Ward: June 17th, 1880
Cy Young: May 5th, 1904
Addie Joss: October 2nd, 1908
Charlie Robertson: April 30th, 1922
Jim Bunning: June 21st, 1964
Sandy Koufax: September 9th, 1965
Catfish Hunter: May 8th, 1968
Len Barker: May 15th, 1981
Mike Witt: September 30th, 1984
Tom Browning: September 16th, 1988
Dennis Martínez: July 28th, 1991
Kenny Rogers: July 28th, 1994
David Wells: May 17th, 1998
David Cone: July 18th, 1999
Randy Johnson: May 18th, 2004
Mark Buehrle: July 23rd, 2009
Dallas Braden: May 9th, 2010
Roy Halladay: May 29th, 2010
Philip Humber: April 21st, 2012
Matt Cain: June 13th, 2012
Félix Hernández: August 15th, 2012
Postseason Perfect Game
- Don Larsen: October 8th, 1956
- Score: Brooklyn Dodgers 0 - New York Yankees 2
- Venue: Yankee Stadium, Game 5 of the World Series)
- Last Pitch Caught By: Yogi Berra
Don Larsen's perfect game is one of the most iconic moments in baseball history. It took place on October 8, 1956, during Game 5 of the World Series between the New York Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Larsen, a pitcher for the New York Yankees, achieved perfection by retiring all 27 Brooklyn Dodgers in order, without allowing a single baserunner. He recorded 7 strikeouts and was backed by stellar defense from his teammates.
Larsen's perfect game was the first and only perfect game ever thrown in postseason play. It came at a crucial moment in the World Series, with the Yankees and Dodgers tied at two games apiece. Larsen's remarkable performance helped the Yankees win the game 2-0 and take a 3-2 series lead. The Yankees eventually went on to win the World Series in seven games.
This game is remembered as one of the greatest pitching performances in baseball history and solidified Larsen's place in the record books. The image of Yogi Berra jumping into Larsen's arms after the final out is an iconic moment in the sport.
