Introduction: Perfect Games in MLB History
The Major League Baseball (MLB) is one of the oldest and most beloved sports organizations in the United States. It has been around since 1869, and has seen some of the greatest players in the history of sports. It is also known for some of its most remarkable feats, such as the perfect game. A perfect game is a game in which a pitcher does not allow any baserunners and completes the entire game without allowing a single hit, walk, or run. The feat is so difficult to achieve that only 23 perfect games have been recorded in the history of the MLB.
MLB Perfect Games in the Modern Era
The modern era of the MLB began in 1903 and since then, there have been 20 perfect games recorded. The first perfect game of the modern era was pitched by the legendary Cy Young in 1904. The most recent perfect game was thrown by Félix Hernández of the Seattle Mariners in 2012. Here is a list of the 20 perfect games thrown in the modern era:
- Cy Young (1904)
- Addie Joss (1908)
- Charlie Robertson (1922)
- Don Larsen (1956)
- Jim Bunning (1964)
- Sandy Koufax (1965)
- Catfish Hunter (1968)
- Len Barker (1981)
- Mike Witt (1984)
- Tom Browning (1988)
- Dennis Martínez (1991)
- Kenny Rogers (1994)
- David Wells (1998)
- David Cone (1999)
- Randy Johnson (2004)
- Mark Buehrle (2009)
- Roy Halladay (2010)
- Phil Humber (2012)
- Matt Cain (2012)
- Félix Hernández (2012)
MLB Perfect Games in the Pre-Modern Era
Before the modern era, there were three perfect games that were recorded in the MLB. The first was thrown by John Lee Richmond of the Worcester Ruby Legs in 1880. The second was thrown by Monte Ward of the Providence Grays in 1880. The third and final perfect game of the pre-modern era was thrown by Lee Richmond of the Worcester Ruby Legs in 1883.
MLB Postseason Perfect Games
Only one perfect game has ever been thrown in the MLB postseason. This feat was achieved by Don Larsen of the New York Yankees in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series. Larsen’s perfect game is considered one of the most iconic moments in baseball history and is often referred to as the “Pine Tar Game” due to the controversy that surrounded it.
Impact of Perfect Games
Perfect games have had a lasting impact on the MLB and its players. It is a rare feat that is rarely achieved, and has been the source of some of the most memorable moments in baseball history. Perfect games have also been a source of inspiration for players and fans alike, as they remind us that anything is possible in the game of baseball.
Reaction to Perfect Games
The reaction to perfect games has been overwhelmingly positive. Players, fans, and commentators alike have praised the pitchers who have thrown perfect games, and their performances have been celebrated as some of the greatest achievements in baseball history. Even the most casual of baseball fans have been able to appreciate the difficulty of throwing a perfect game, and the reaction to them has been nothing but positive.
Perfect Games in Other Leagues
While perfect games have been relatively rare in the MLB, they have been more common in other professional leagues. The most notable of these is the Japanese Professional Baseball League, which has seen 14 perfect games pitched since the league’s inception in 1950. The NPB has also seen a perfect game thrown in the postseason, which was achieved by Daisuke Matsuzaka in 2008.
Perfect Games in Little League
Perfect games are also possible in Little League, but they are much rarer than in the MLB. Little League perfect games are also more difficult to track, as the organization does not officially record perfect games. However, there have been several documented Little League perfect games, the most recent of which was thrown by Cade Merritt in 2017.
Conclusion
Throughout the history of the MLB, only 23 perfect games have been thrown. This feat is one of the most difficult to achieve in the sport, and has been the source of some of the most memorable moments in baseball history. Perfect games have been a source of inspiration for players and fans alike, and have served as a reminder that anything is possible in the game of baseball.