MLB Perfect Games: A Complete History

\ Hey baseball fans! Ever wondered about the absolute pinnacle of pitching performance? We're talking about the perfect game! It's baseball's version of hitting the lottery, a rare feat where a pitcher faces the minimum 27 batters and doesn't allow anyone to reach base. No hits, no walks, no errors – just pure, unadulterated dominance. In this article, we're diving deep into the history of perfect games in Major League Baseball, exploring the legendary pitchers who achieved this amazing accomplishment and the memorable moments that made them so special.

What is a Perfect Game?

Before we dive into the list, let's clarify exactly what constitutes a perfect game. In baseball, a perfect game is when a pitcher (or pitchers, though it's almost always a solo act) completes a game of at least nine innings without allowing a single opposing player to reach base. This means no hits, no walks, no hit batsmen, and no errors that allow a batter to reach first base. Every batter must be retired, either by strikeout, groundout, or flyout. It's a true testament to a pitcher's skill, focus, and a little bit of luck.

To put it in perspective, think about how many things can go wrong in a baseball game. A bloop single, a passed ball, a questionable call by the umpire – any of these can ruin a perfect game. That's why it's such an extraordinary achievement. The stars need to align, and the pitcher needs to be at the top of their game. What makes a perfect game even more special is the pressure that mounts as the game progresses. Imagine being a pitcher, knowing that every pitch could be the one that ends your bid for perfection. The mental fortitude required is just as important as the physical ability.

Over the years, there have been countless near-perfect games, adding to the drama and excitement of the sport. Sometimes a dropped third strike can end it. Sometimes a late-inning hit crushes the dream. These close calls remind us how difficult a perfect game truly is. The pursuit of perfection is what makes baseball so captivating, and when it finally happens, it's a moment that fans never forget. Each perfect game has its own unique story, adding to the rich tapestry of baseball history. They become part of the lore of the game, talked about for generations.

Perfect games stand out not only for their rarity but for the sheer artistry they represent. A pitcher in command, painting the corners of the strike zone, inducing weak contact, and keeping the opposition off balance – it's a beautiful thing to witness. It's a performance that showcases the skill and strategy that make baseball such a compelling sport. In a world of increasing offensive power, a perfect game is a reminder that pitching can still dominate. It's a celebration of the art of pitching, a display of mastery that transcends eras.

A Complete List of Perfect Games in MLB History

Okay, guys, let's get to the list you've been waiting for! Here’s a rundown of every official perfect game in MLB history, in chronological order:

1. John Richmond (Worcester Worcesters) - June 12, 1880: The very first perfect game in MLB history! Back in the day, things were a little different, but Richmond's performance still counts. He blanked the Cleveland Blues in a 1-0 victory. What a legend. This game is a relic of baseball's early days, a testament to the sport's long and evolving history. Imagine the excitement surrounding this game at the time. It was a pioneering achievement that set the standard for pitching excellence. John Richmond's name will forever be etched in baseball lore as the first to reach this incredible milestone.

2. Monte Ward (Providence Grays) - June 17, 1880: Just five days later, lightning struck again! Ward, also a player-manager, achieved perfection against the Buffalo Bisons. Talk about a quick turnaround! The fact that perfect games happened so close together early in baseball history is mind-blowing. It's like the pitching gods were showing off. Monte Ward's accomplishment adds another layer to his impressive baseball career. His versatility as a player-manager makes his perfect game even more remarkable. He proved that he could excel both on the mound and in the dugout.

3. Cy Young (Boston Americans) - May 5, 1904: Yes, that Cy Young! The man who has the award for best pitcher named after him tossed a perfect game against the Philadelphia Athletics. Pretty cool, huh? This game adds to the legacy of one of baseball's all-time greats. Cy Young's perfect game is a testament to his longevity and dominance. He was still at the top of his game even after years in the league. This performance cemented his place in baseball history and solidified his status as a legend.

4. Addie Joss (Cleveland Naps) - October 2, 1908: Joss's perfect game against the Chicago White Sox was a nail-biter, a 1-0 victory. This game is considered one of the best-pitched games ever, and it only took 74 pitches! Addie Joss's perfect game is a story of efficiency and precision. His ability to shut down the White Sox lineup with so few pitches is a testament to his control and strategy. This game remains a shining example of pitching excellence.

5. Ernie Shore (Boston Red Sox) - June 23, 1917: This one's a bit controversial. Shore came in to relieve Babe Ruth (yes, that Babe Ruth) after Ruth was ejected for arguing with the umpire. Shore faced 27 batters and retired them all, but it's technically listed as a combined no-hitter, not a perfect game, because Ruth faced one batter. Still, an incredible performance! This game has a unique place in baseball history due to the unusual circumstances surrounding it. Ernie Shore's unexpected entrance and subsequent dominance make it a memorable and debated moment. While not officially a perfect game, it's a testament to his ability to perform under pressure.

6. Charles Robertson (Chicago White Sox) - April 30, 1922: Robertson pitched a perfect game against the Detroit Tigers at Navin Field. His performance marked the first perfect game in the American League since Addie Joss in 1908. Charles Robertson's perfect game broke a long drought in the American League. His ability to shut down the Tigers lineup demonstrated his skill and determination. This game helped to solidify his place in White Sox history.

7. Jim Creighton (Brooklyn Excelsiors) - July 21, 1860: In an independent league game against the Star of Brooklyn, the Excelsiors' star hurler pitched the first ever no-hitter/perfect game. Before professional leagues began, Creighton was the highest-paid player for baseball. Jim Creighton's perfect game is a glimpse into the early days of baseball, before professional leagues took hold. His status as the highest-paid player highlights the growing popularity of the sport. This game is a reminder of the sport's humble beginnings and the passion that drove its early stars.

8. Don Larsen (New York Yankees) - October 8, 1956: The only perfect game in World Series history! Larsen's performance against the Brooklyn Dodgers in Game 5 is one of the most iconic moments in baseball history. This game is legendary, a moment etched in the minds of baseball fans forever. Don Larsen's perfect game on the biggest stage imaginable is a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion. This performance cemented his place in baseball history and made him a household name.

9. Jim Bunning (Philadelphia Phillies) - June 21, 1964: A future Hall of Famer, Bunning threw a perfect game against the New York Mets on Father's Day. A pretty great gift for his dad, huh? Jim Bunning's perfect game is a testament to his skill and longevity. His ability to dominate the Mets lineup demonstrated his mastery of the pitching craft. This performance is a highlight of his Hall of Fame career.

10. Sandy Koufax (Los Angeles Dodgers) - September 9, 1965: Koufax, another Hall of Famer, was at the peak of his powers when he threw a perfect game against the Chicago Cubs. This was his fourth no-hitter, and arguably his most impressive. Sandy Koufax's perfect game is a display of pure dominance. His ability to shut down the Cubs lineup with his devastating fastball and curveball is legendary. This performance is a highlight of his Hall of Fame career and cemented his status as one of the greatest pitchers of all time.

11. Catfish Hunter (Oakland Athletics) - May 8, 1968: Hunter's perfect game against the Minnesota Twins was special because he also drove in three runs! A true all-around performance. Catfish Hunter's perfect game is a testament to his all-around athleticism. His ability to contribute both on the mound and at the plate makes this performance even more impressive. This game is a highlight of his Hall of Fame career.

12. Len Barker (Cleveland Indians) - May 15, 1981: Barker's perfect game against the Toronto Blue Jays was a rare early-season gem. It was a sign of things to come for the Indians that year. Len Barker's perfect game is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball. His ability to shut down the Blue Jays lineup demonstrated his potential. This game is a highlight of his career and a moment that Indians fans will always remember.

13. Mike Witt (California Angels) - September 30, 1984: Witt's perfect game against the Texas Rangers was the last game of the season. Talk about ending on a high note! Mike Witt's perfect game is a dramatic conclusion to the season. His ability to shut down the Rangers lineup demonstrated his resilience and determination. This game is a highlight of his career and a moment that Angels fans will always cherish.

14. Tom Browning (Cincinnati Reds) - September 16, 1988: Browning's perfect game against the Los Angeles Dodgers was a memorable moment in Reds history. He even joked about not having his best stuff that day! Tom Browning's perfect game is a testament to his ability to perform under pressure. His relaxed demeanor and sense of humor made this performance even more memorable. This game is a highlight of his career and a moment that Reds fans will always celebrate.

15. Dennis Martinez (Montreal Expos) - July 28, 1991: "El Presidente" Martinez threw a perfect game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the first perfect game thrown by a Latin American-born pitcher. A historic moment! Dennis Martinez's perfect game is a landmark achievement for Latin American baseball. His ability to dominate the Dodgers lineup demonstrated his skill and determination. This game is a source of pride for Expos fans and a testament to his impact on the sport.

16. Jim Abbott (New York Yankees) - September 4, 1993: Abbott, who was born without a right hand, threw a perfect game against the Cleveland Indians. An incredibly inspiring achievement! Jim Abbott's perfect game is an inspiring story of overcoming adversity. His ability to excel at the highest level of baseball despite his physical challenge is a testament to his determination and skill. This game is a source of inspiration for people of all walks of life.

17. David Cone (New York Yankees) - July 18, 1999: Cone's perfect game against the Montreal Expos was part of Yogi Berra Day at Yankee Stadium. A truly special occasion! David Cone's perfect game is a fitting tribute to Yogi Berra. His ability to shut down the Expos lineup on this special day made it even more memorable. This game is a highlight of his career and a moment that Yankees fans will always cherish.

18. Randy Johnson (Arizona Diamondbacks) - May 18, 2004: "The Big Unit" Johnson, at age 40, became the oldest pitcher to throw a perfect game, blanking the Atlanta Braves. Proof that age is just a number! Randy Johnson's perfect game is a testament to his longevity and dominance. His ability to shut down the Braves lineup at age 40 is a remarkable achievement. This game is a highlight of his Hall of Fame career.

19. Mark Buehrle (Chicago White Sox) - July 23, 2009: Buehrle's perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays included an amazing defensive play by Dewayne Wise in the outfield to preserve the perfecto. Teamwork makes the dream work! Mark Buehrle's perfect game is a reminder that baseball is a team sport. Dewayne Wise's incredible catch saved the day and helped Buehrle achieve perfection. This game is a highlight of Buehrle's career and a moment that White Sox fans will always remember.

20. Dallas Braden (Oakland Athletics) - May 9, 2010: Braden's perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays came on Mother's Day, and his grandmother, who raised him, was in attendance. A heartwarming story! Dallas Braden's perfect game is a touching story of family and perseverance. His ability to achieve this feat on Mother's Day, with his grandmother in the stands, is a truly special moment. This game is a highlight of his career and a moment that A's fans will always cherish.

21. Roy Halladay (Philadelphia Phillies) - May 29, 2010: Halladay's perfect game against the Florida Marlins was his first season with the Phillies and only the second perfect game in franchise history. What a way to make an entrance! Roy Halladay's perfect game is a testament to his skill and determination. His ability to dominate the Marlins lineup in his first season with the Phillies made a strong impression. This game is a highlight of his Hall of Fame career.

22. Ubaldo Jimenez (Colorado Rockies) - April 17, 2010: Jimenez's perfect game against the Atlanta Braves was the first in Rockies history. A moment of glory for the franchise! Ubaldo Jimenez's perfect game is a historic moment for the Colorado Rockies. His ability to shut down the Braves lineup made him a hero in Denver. This game is a highlight of his career and a moment that Rockies fans will always celebrate.

23. Matt Cain (San Francisco Giants) - June 13, 2012: Cain's perfect game against the Houston Astros was a dominant performance, with 14 strikeouts. A true masterpiece! Matt Cain's perfect game is a display of pure dominance. His 14 strikeouts demonstrate his ability to overpower hitters. This game is a highlight of his career and a moment that Giants fans will always cherish.

24. Philip Humber (Chicago White Sox) - April 21, 2012: Humber's perfect game against the Seattle Mariners was a surprise, as he wasn't known as a dominant pitcher. Sometimes, anything can happen in baseball! Philip Humber's perfect game is a reminder that anything is possible in baseball. His ability to achieve this feat despite not being a dominant pitcher is a testament to his preparation and execution. This game is a highlight of his career and a moment that White Sox fans will always remember.

The Rarity and Significance of Perfect Games

So, why all the fuss about perfect games? Well, consider this: over 200,000 MLB games have been played in history, and only 24 have been perfect. That's less than 0.01%! It's rarer than a no-hitter, rarer than a cycle, and arguably one of the most difficult individual achievements in all of sports.

A perfect game isn't just a win; it's a statement. It's a display of unparalleled skill, mental toughness, and a little bit of luck. It's a moment that etches a player's name into baseball immortality. These games provide lasting memories for fans and often define a player's career. The perfect game is a testament to the pursuit of excellence, a goal that every pitcher dreams of achieving.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks! A complete history of perfect games in MLB. Each game is a unique story of skill, perseverance, and a little bit of magic. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just getting into the sport, these moments are worth celebrating. So, next time you're watching a game, remember the incredible feat of the perfect game and appreciate the amazing talent of the pitchers who have achieved it.