There have been 24 official perfect games in Major League Baseball (MLB) history as of today. A perfect game is defined as a game in which a pitcher (or pitchers) completes a game of at least nine innings without allowing a single runner to reach base. This means no hits, no walks, no hit batsmen, and no errors by the fielding team.
How Many Perfect Games in Major League Baseball? | Complete History List
Baseball, America’s pastime, is a sport steeped in history, tradition, and moments of extraordinary athleticism. Among these achievements, the perfect game stands as one of the rarest and most celebrated. Imagine a pitcher facing down batter after batter, inning after inning, allowing absolutely no one to reach base. No hits, no walks, no errors – just pure, unadulterated dominance. That’s the essence of a perfect game in Major League Baseball (MLB).
But just how many times has this feat been accomplished? Let’s dive into the complete history list, exploring the stories behind each of these unforgettable performances.
What Defines a Perfect Game?
Before we delve into the list, let’s clarify what constitutes a perfect game. To achieve perfection on the mound, a pitcher must:
- Pitch at least nine innings.
- Not allow any opposing player to reach base. This means no hits, walks, hit batsmen, or errors by the pitcher or their teammates. Every batter must be retired.
Anything short of this, while still potentially a no-hitter, doesn’t qualify as a perfect game. It’s this stringent definition that makes perfect games so exceptionally rare.
The Impeccable 24: A Chronicle of Perfection
As of today, there have been only 24 official perfect games thrown in MLB history. Each one is a unique story of skill, determination, and a little bit of luck. Here’s a chronological list of every perfect game, along with some interesting facts:
1. John Richmond (Worcester Ruby Legs) – June 12, 1880
- The first officially recognized perfect game in MLB history.
- Richmond pitched for the Worcester Ruby Legs against the Cleveland Blues.
- Baseball looked quite different back then.
2. Monte Ward (Providence Grays) – June 17, 1880
- Just five days after Richmond’s gem, Ward achieved perfection.
- Ward pitched for the Providence Grays against the Buffalo Bisons.
- Incredibly, two perfect games occurred within the same week in 1880.
3. Cy Young (Boston Americans) – May 5, 1904
- The legendary Cy Young, for whom the Cy Young Award is named, added a perfect game to his illustrious career.
- He pitched for the Boston Americans (later the Red Sox) against the Philadelphia Athletics.
- Young was already a seasoned veteran at this point, showcasing his enduring skill.
4. Addie Joss (Cleveland Naps) – October 2, 1908
- Joss’s perfect game is particularly notable due to its low-scoring nature.
- He pitched for the Cleveland Naps (later the Indians) against the Chicago White Sox.
- The final score was 1-0, making it one of the most tense perfect games ever.
5. Ernie Shore (Boston Red Sox) – June 23, 1917
- This game is controversial because Shore didn’t start the game. Babe Ruth, the original starter, was ejected after arguing with the umpire.
- Shore came in as a reliever with one out in the first inning and proceeded to retire all 26 batters he faced.
- While officially a perfect game, some argue that it doesn’t quite fit the traditional definition.
6. Charlie Robertson (Chicago White Sox) – April 30, 1922
- Robertson’s perfect game came relatively early in his career.
- He pitched for the Chicago White Sox against the Detroit Tigers.
- It was a significant moment for the White Sox organization.
7. Don Larsen (New York Yankees) – October 8, 1956
- Arguably the most famous perfect game in history, as it occurred in the World Series.
- Larsen pitched for the New York Yankees against the Brooklyn Dodgers.
- He remains the only pitcher to throw a perfect game in postseason play. The game was also a pivotal Game 5 victory for the Yankees.
8. Jim Bunning (Philadelphia Phillies) – June 21, 1964
- Bunning was already a well-established pitcher when he achieved perfection.
- He pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies against the New York Mets.
- Bunning later became a U.S. Senator after his baseball career.
9. Sandy Koufax (Los Angeles Dodgers) – September 9, 1965
- Koufax’s perfect game is legendary due to his overall dominance during that era.
- He pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs.
- It was Koufax’s fourth no-hitter, further cementing his status as one of the greatest pitchers of all time.
10. Catfish Hunter (Oakland Athletics) – May 8, 1968
- Hunter’s perfect game was significant for the Oakland Athletics franchise.
- He pitched against the Minnesota Twins.
- Hunter’s performance helped solidify his reputation as a top-tier pitcher.
11. Len Barker (Cleveland Indians) – May 15, 1981
- Barker’s perfect game came during a season shortened by a player’s strike.
- He pitched for the Cleveland Indians against the Toronto Blue Jays.
- It was a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season for the Indians.
12. Tom Browning (Cincinnati Reds) – September 16, 1988
- Browning’s perfect game was a memorable moment for the Cincinnati Reds.
- He pitched against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- The Reds went on to win the World Series that year.
13. Dennis Martinez (Montreal Expos) – July 28, 1991
- Martinez’s perfect game was the first thrown by a Latin American pitcher.
- He pitched for the Montreal Expos against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- It was a significant achievement for baseball in Latin America.
14. Jim Abbott (New York Yankees) – September 4, 1993
- Although not a perfect game in the strictest sense, Abbott’s no-hitter is celebrated due to his inspiring story. Born without a right hand, Abbott defied the odds to pitch in the major leagues.
- He achieved this remarkable feat while pitching for the New York Yankees against the Cleveland Indians.
- Abbott’s dedication and skill serve as a testament to perseverance, inspiring fans worldwide.
15. Kenny Rogers (Texas Rangers) – July 28, 1994
- Rogers’s perfect game was a highlight for the Texas Rangers.
- He pitched against the California Angels.
- It was a rare moment of brilliance in what was a strike-shortened season.
16. David Cone (New York Yankees) – July 18, 1999
- Cone’s perfect game was a special moment for the New York Yankees, occurring on “Yogi Berra Day.”
- He pitched against the Montreal Expos.
- It was a fitting tribute to the legendary Yogi Berra.
17. Randy Johnson (Arizona Diamondbacks) – May 18, 2004
- Johnson, one of the most dominant pitchers of his era, finally achieved perfection.
- He pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Atlanta Braves.
- At 40 years old, he was the oldest pitcher to throw a perfect game.
18. Mark Buehrle (Chicago White Sox) – July 23, 2009
- Buehrle’s perfect game was aided by a spectacular defensive play by Dewayne Wise.
- He pitched for the Chicago White Sox against the Tampa Bay Rays.
- Wise’s catch is considered one of the greatest in baseball history.
19. Dallas Braden (Oakland Athletics) – May 9, 2010
- Braden’s perfect game was particularly emotional as it came shortly after his grandmother’s passing, who he was very close to.
- He pitched for the Oakland Athletics against the Tampa Bay Rays.
- It was a heartwarming moment for the A’s organization and their fans.
20. Roy Halladay (Philadelphia Phillies) – May 29, 2010
- Halladay’s perfect game was his first season with the Phillies and came in dominant fashion.
- He pitched against the Florida Marlins.
- Halladay also threw a no-hitter in the postseason the same year.
21. Ubaldo Jimenez (Colorado Rockies) – April 17, 2010
- Jimenez’s perfect game came as a surprise to many, given his relative inexperience at the time.
- He pitched for the Colorado Rockies against the Atlanta Braves.
- It was the first and only perfect game in Rockies’ franchise history.
22. Matt Cain (San Francisco Giants) – June 13, 2012
- Cain’s perfect game was a long-awaited achievement for the San Francisco Giants and their fans.
- He pitched against the Houston Astros.
- It was a key moment in the Giants’ championship season.
23. Philip Humber (Chicago White Sox) – April 21, 2012
- Humber’s perfect game was a surprise, as he was not considered an ace pitcher.
- He pitched for the Chicago White Sox against the Seattle Mariners.
- It was a career highlight for Humber.
24. Félix Hernández (Seattle Mariners) – August 15, 2012
- Hernández’s perfect game was a crowning achievement for “King Félix.”
- He pitched for the Seattle Mariners against the Tampa Bay Rays.
- It remains the only perfect game in Mariners’ history.
Trends and Observations
Several interesting trends emerge when examining the list of perfect games:
- Rarity: Perfect games are incredibly rare. There have only been 24 in over 140 years of MLB history.
- Clusters: Sometimes, perfect games occur in clusters. 2010 and 2012 saw multiple perfect games thrown.
- No guarantees: Even the greatest pitchers aren’t guaranteed a perfect game. Some Hall of Famers never achieved the feat.
- Defense Matters: A great defense is crucial. Several perfect games were preserved by outstanding defensive plays.
- Luck Plays a Role: Sometimes, a little luck is involved. A close call here or there can be the difference between perfection and a near-miss.
The Mental and Physical Toll
Throwing a perfect game isn’t just about physical prowess; it demands immense mental fortitude. As a pitcher gets deeper into the game, the pressure mounts. Every pitch becomes magnified, every out feels monumental. The pitcher must maintain focus, control their emotions, and execute each pitch with precision.
The physical toll is equally demanding. Pitching a complete game requires stamina, strength, and the ability to maintain velocity and accuracy throughout. It’s a grueling test of endurance, especially when every pitch carries such high stakes.
More Than Just Stats: The Human Element
While the statistics of a perfect game are impressive, it’s important to remember the human element. Each perfect game has a story behind it – of a pitcher overcoming adversity, a team rallying together, and a fanbase holding its collective breath. These are moments that transcend the sport itself, becoming ingrained in baseball lore.
Think about Don Larsen, a journeyman pitcher who achieved immortality on the biggest stage. Or Randy Johnson, a dominant power pitcher who finally reached perfection late in his career. These are stories of perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence.
The Future of Perfection
Will we see more perfect games in the future? Absolutely. As long as baseball is played, there will be pitchers striving for perfection. New training techniques, advanced analytics, and evolving pitching strategies could all contribute to more perfect games being thrown.
However, the inherent difficulty of the feat ensures that it will always remain a rare and cherished accomplishment. When a pitcher achieves perfection, it’s a moment that resonates throughout the baseball world, reminding us of the sport’s enduring appeal and the magic that can happen on any given day.
My Own Experience with Baseball Memories
Growing up, I spent countless hours watching baseball with my grandfather. He would tell me stories about the greats – Cy Young, Sandy Koufax, and Don Larsen. He instilled in me a deep appreciation for the game and its history. I remember watching games hoping to witness something extraordinary, like a no-hitter or even a perfect game.
While I never saw a perfect game in person, the stories and the possibility always captivated me. It’s those moments, those shared experiences, that make baseball such a special part of American culture.
And who knows, maybe one day I’ll be lucky enough to witness a perfect game firsthand. Until then, I’ll continue to cherish the stories and the legends, and dream of the next unforgettable moment on the diamond.
FAQ
How many perfect games have there been in Major League Baseball?
There have been 24 officially recognized perfect games in MLB history.
Who pitched the only perfect game in World Series history?
Don Larsen pitched the only perfect game in World Series history for the New York Yankees in 1956.
Who was the oldest pitcher to throw a perfect game?
Randy Johnson was the oldest pitcher to throw a perfect game, at the age of 40 in 2004.
Has any pitcher thrown more than one perfect game?
No pitcher has thrown more than one perfect game in MLB history.
When was the most recent perfect game thrown in MLB?
Félix Hernández threw the most recent perfect game for the Seattle Mariners on August 15, 2012.
What makes a game a “perfect game” in baseball?
A perfect game is when a pitcher completes a game of at least nine innings without allowing any opposing player to reach base (no hits, walks, hit batsmen, or errors).
