What pitchers have pitched a perfect game?
A perfect game is one of the most extraordinary achievements in baseball, a feat that has been accomplished by only a select few pitchers throughout the history of the sport. This article will explore the remarkable pitchers who have managed to throw a perfect game, highlighting their skill, determination, and the unique circumstances that contributed to their historic performances.
The first perfect game in Major League Baseball (MLB) was thrown by Cy Young on April 6, 1904, for the Boston Americans against the Philadelphia Athletics. This was a time when the game was still evolving, and the concept of a perfect game was not as well-known as it is today. Cy Young, a Hall of Famer and one of the greatest pitchers of all time, dominated the game, allowing no hits, walks, or errors in a 5-0 victory.
One of the most notable perfect games in recent history was thrown by Nolan Ryan in 1981. Ryan, another Hall of Famer, became the second pitcher to achieve this remarkable feat when he shut out the Houston Astros for a 1-0 win. Ryan’s perfect game was notable for its dramatic ending, as he struck out the final batter, George Bell, on a called strike to secure his place in baseball history.
In 1991, another Hall of Famer, Tom Seaver, became the third pitcher to throw a perfect game. Seaver’s perfect game came for the New York Mets against the Atlanta Braves, and it was the first perfect game in the National League since Cy Young’s in 1904. Seaver’s performance was a testament to his pitching prowess and the incredible talent he possessed throughout his career.
Two years later, in 1993, another legendary pitcher, Sandy Koufax, joined the exclusive club of perfect game pitchers. Koufax, who had already retired from baseball, returned to pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers in a game against the San Diego Padres. His perfect game was a remarkable comeback story, as he had been retired for over a decade before making this historic appearance.
More recently, in 2012, the perfect game was achieved by Félix Hernández of the Seattle Mariners. Hernández’s perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays was the 21st in MLB history and the first since David Cone’s performance in 1999. This achievement brought the total number of perfect games to 23, with only a handful of pitchers having achieved this rare milestone.
The pitchers who have thrown perfect games have not only showcased their incredible skill and determination but have also left an indelible mark on the history of baseball. These moments of perfection are cherished by fans and players alike, and they serve as a reminder of the extraordinary potential of the game.
