Who threw the last perfect game? This question has been on the minds of baseball enthusiasts for years. A perfect game is one of the most extraordinary feats in the sport, where a pitcher manages to retire all 27 batters he faces without allowing a single hit, walk, or error. The last perfect game in Major League Baseball (MLB) was thrown by Félix Hernández of the Seattle Mariners on August 15, 2012.
Félix Hernández, a Venezuelan-born pitcher, had already established himself as one of the best pitchers in the league before achieving this historic milestone. His perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays was a testament to his exceptional skills and determination. The game was a showcase of precision and control, as Hernández threw a total of 113 pitches, including 77 strikes, over the course of nine innings.
The perfect game was not only a highlight of Hernández’s career but also a significant moment in baseball history. It was the 21st perfect game in MLB history and the first one thrown by a pitcher from the American League since David Cone of the New York Yankees did so in 1999. The Mariners’ victory was a rare occurrence, as perfect games are an extremely rare event in baseball, with only 23 having been thrown in the history of the sport.
The night of the perfect game was filled with tension and excitement. The Mariners had been struggling to win games leading up to the match, and the team’s fans were desperate for a win. When the final out was recorded, the crowd erupted in celebration, and Hernández was mobbed by his teammates and coaches. The moment was captured on camera, and the image of Hernández being lifted up by his teammates became an iconic symbol of the perfect game.
Félix Hernández’s perfect game was a shining example of the beauty and drama that baseball has to offer. It demonstrated the importance of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. The pitcher’s achievement has been celebrated by fans and analysts alike, and it remains a significant achievement in the annals of baseball history.
As the years pass, the question of who threw the last perfect game will continue to be a topic of conversation among baseball fans. While Félix Hernández’s perfect game will always hold a special place in the hearts of baseball enthusiasts, the possibility of another pitcher throwing a perfect game in the future remains a tantalizing prospect. The quest for the next perfect game is a testament to the enduring appeal of baseball and the endless possibilities that the sport has to offer.
