Summary
In this blog post, we're going to share 12 of the greatest no-hitters in Major League Baseball history. Each of these no-hitters showcase the skills in athletics of players throughout the decades since MLB's first official game in the mid-19th century.
A no-hitter is an extraordinary feat that adds a unique flair to a game of baseball. Batters are held hitless for nine innings. Suspense lingers in the air as the pitcher glides through these frames in pursuit of sports excellence. In this blog post, we’re going to share 12 of the greatest no-hitters in Major League Baseball history. Each of these no-hitters showcase the skills in athletics of players throughout the decades since MLB’s first official game in the mid-19th century. We’re going to explore the rarity of a no-hitter, leaving you with a lasting impression of the great surprises in baseball history for fans who appreciate this dynamic sport, then relive these moments that make baseball such an exciting sport.
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How Rare Is a No-Hitter?
At the conclusion of the 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) season, there have been 322 no-hitters officially recognized by MLB since 1876. Considering the vast number of games played each season, this rarity highlights the exceptional skill and precision required for a pitcher or a group of pitchers to prevent the opposing team from getting a single hit in a game. The scarcity of no-hitters makes each occurrence a significant and memorable moment in the sport.
What Is the Difference Between a Perfect Game and a No-hitter in Baseball?
The main difference between a perfect game and a no-hitter in baseball lies in the completeness of the pitching performance.
In a no-hitter, the pitcher or group of pitchers prevents the opposing team from getting any hits throughout the entire game. Walks, hit by pitches, and errors can still occur, allowing base runners.
On the other hand, a perfect game is a more stringent achievement. In a perfect game, not only are no hits allowed, but no opposing player reaches base in any manner, including walks, hit by pitches, errors, or any other means. The pitcher retires every batter faced, achieving a flawless, error-free game. So, while all perfect games are no-hitters, not all no-hitters are perfect games. Perfect games are rarer and considered a pinnacle of pitching excellence in baseball.
Now that we’ve learned about the rarity of no-hitters and perfect games, and appreciated the extraordinary achievements they represent, let’s now revisit 12 moments featuring these remarkable feats.
1. Dwight Gooden (May 14, 1996)
Dwight Gooden only no-hitter of his career came against the Seattle Mariners. A fine catch in centerfield by Gerald Williams preserved the no-hitter in the 6th. I’d always wanted to see Dwight Gooden pitch a no-hitter as a member of the Mets and there were a few close calls but his first time would come with a crosstown rivals. It was Gooden’s first and only no-hitter of his career, capping a remarkable achievement for one of my favorite all-time pitchers.
2. Roy Halladay (Oct. 6, 2010)
Roy Halladay‘s no-hitter is a historic moment in baseball, particularly in postseason play. As of the end of the 2023 season, there have been only three instances of no-hitters [including one perfect game] the playoffs or World Series. Halladay, pitching for the Philadelphia Phillies, achieved a no-hitter in the first game of the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Cincinnati Reds. This remarkable performance came in his postseason debut. The Phillies won the game 4-0, with Halladay’s outstanding pitching setting the tone for the postseason. This no-hitter in the playoffs added an extra layer of significance to Roy Halladay’s exceptional performance and accomplishments throughout his career as well as his legacy.
3. Sandy Koufax (Sept. 9, 1965)
Sandy Koufax‘s perfect game is etched in baseball history as one of the most extraordinary pitching performances. Koufax achieved perfection against the Chicago Cubs. In front of a captivated audience at Dodger Stadium, Koufax struck out 14 en route to the perfect game. This marked Koufax’s fourth no-hitter, and his only perfect game. The left-handed ace’s ability to mix devastating fastballs with his signature curveball was on full display, showcasing why he is regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in the history of the sport. Sandy Koufax’s perfect game remains an enduring symbol of pitching excellence and a testament to his dominance during his illustrious career.
4. Jim Abbott (Sept. 4, 1993)
Jim Abbott‘s no-hitter is a memorable moment in baseball history. Pitching for the New York Yankees, Abbott achieved the extraordinary feat of a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians. This remarkable accomplishment is made even more impressive by the fact that Abbott was born without a right hand. His determination and skill on the mound shone brightly as he navigated through the game flawlessly.
5. Nolan Ryan (May 1, 1991)
Nolan Ryan stands as a towering figure in the history of Major League Baseball. Ryan has pitched seven no-hitters, which is a record to this day, and it came against the Toronto Blue Jays. His ability to consistently dominate opposing lineups and deliver flawless performances has solidified his status as a legend in the sport. Ryan’s no-hitters spanned different seasons and showcased the longevity of his remarkable career. Ryan was a challenge for many hitters. As a longtime baseball fan and admire of Nolan Ryan and his accomplishments, I can easily say that he was a pleasure to watch. I’m sure a lot of hitters found him scary. In the video, Ryan was 44 years old and in his 25th season pitching. This was also the game in which Blue Jays outfielder Ricky Henderson passed Lou Brock‘s all-time stolen-bases record.
6. Justin Verlander (Sept. 1, 2019)
Justin Verlander‘s third no-hitter took place while pitching for the Houston Astros. Facing the Toronto Blue Jays, Verlander displayed masterful control and dominance on the mound, striking out 14 batters throughout the game. Watch this thrilling moment below. In terms of the number of no-hitters pitched out a career, Justin Verlander is third, behind Sandy Koufax (4), and Nolan Ryan (5).
7. Mike Scott (Sept. 25, 1986)
Mike Scott’s performance in the NLCS 86 against the Mets was remarkable. I recall he was simply unable then. Two of the games the Mets lost against Houston in the playoffs were against him. ’86 was the pinnacle of his career, and he finished the season with a no-hitter against the Giants on in the game that was also the clincher. He had a split-finger fastball that often bewildered hitters. The pitch is designed to look like a fastball initially but has a late, sharp downward movement, making it challenging for batters to make solid contact. I’d never seen such a pitch until then. In 2019, Mike Scott was elected to the Houston Astros Hall of Fame as a member of its inaugural class.
8. Angels Combined No-Hitter (July 13, 2019)
In the Angels’ emotional return to Angel Stadium after the unexpected death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs, two Los Angeles pitchers combined to throw a no-hitter in a 13-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners. Right-hander Taylor Cole pitched two perfect innings before handing it over to right-hander Félix Peña, who threw seven no-hit frames. The pair retired the first 13 batters and only allowed a single walk. This marked the 13th combined no-hitter in MLB history, the second in franchise history, and the 11th no-hitter in Angels’ franchise history. The last combined no-hitter for the Angels was in 1990, coincidentally against the Mariners. The no-hitter was the first by the Angels since Jered Weaver in 2012. The memorable feat occurred on the eve of Tyler Skaggs’ birthday, who would have turned 28. After the game, all Angels players brought their No. 45 jerseys to the mound in tribute to Skaggs, who was tragically found passed away in his Texas hotel room earlier that month.
9. Don Larsen (October 8, 1956)
Yankees pitcher Don Larsen played baseball before I was born, and even though I cheer for the Mets, I recognize that he did some really impressive things in the game. Don Larson has the distinction of being the only pitcher ever to pitch a perfect game in the World Series. Larsen, pitching for the New York Yankees, achieved perfection in Game 5 of the World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers. Larsen secured the only perfect game in World Series history.
10. Domingo Germán (June 28, 2023)
Dominican pitcher Domingo Germán made history by throwing the 24th perfect game in Major League Baseball. Pitching for the New York Yankees against the Oakland Athletics, Germán secured the Yankees’ fourth perfect game and joined an elite group of pitchers achieving perfection. Germán three only 99 pitches, including 51 curveballs, while striking out nine. Germán’s achievement was the first perfect game in MLB since Félix Hernández‘s in 2012, the first under the pitch clock, and the first by a Dominican pitcher.
11. Houston Astros Combined No-Hitter – World Series Game 4 (Nov. 2, 2022)
Houston Astros right-hander Cristian Javier showcased his pitching brilliance in Game 4 of the 2022 World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, leading the team to a historic no-hitter. Javier, virtually unhittable throughout the regular season, delivered six no-hit innings, striking out nine before exiting the game. Relievers Bryan Abreu, Rafael Montero, and Ryan Pressly continued the no-hit performance, securing just the second no-hitter in World Series history. Javier became the first pitcher to be part of a combined no-hitter. The Astros’ bats also came alive, securing a 5-0 victory after a previous night’s shutout. Javier’s exceptional form added to the Astros’ pitching strength, aligning them favorably for the Series conclusion.
12. Pedro Martínez (June 3, 1995)
Pedro Martínez was one of baseball’s premier pitchers throughout the 2000s. With a stellar career that includes three Cy Young Awards and Hall of Fame induction in 2015, Martínez’s own gem remains a memorable chapter in his career. Martínez pitched nine perfect innings against the Padres, showcasing his dominance. The game took an unexpected turn in the 10th inning when Bip Roberts broke the perfect game with a double. The Montreal Expos rallied in the 10th, securing a crucial run and the win. Martínez’s resilience and contribution to this game, even though the official perfect game slipped away, highlight his place among the baseball greats. On July 14 of that same season, Ramón Martínez, Pedro’s brother, delivered nine no-hit innings while pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers in a game against the Atlanta Braves. The Martínezes could have been the first brothers had Pedro completed the no-hitter, following the Forsches (Ken and Bob), to pitch no-hitters during the same season.
