Being a lifelong Yankee fan, the death of Yogi Berra feels a lot like losing a friend. He was a Yankee icon and a genuine character who became firmly embedded in baseball history and American pop culture. A three-time MVP, he played in seventy-five World Series games and won ten rings--numbers that may never be surpassed by subsequent generations. I don't have any personal stories to share about Berra, but I do know that my father took my two nephews to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown when they were quite young. As they were walking up the street, they spotted Berra from a distance. Incredibly, when Yogi noticed he had been recognized, he actually crossed the street to say 'hello' and to tell them to 'have fun' inside the Hall. Few if any legendary players would have done that. Since my own words are woefully inadequate to capture the spirit of this man, I would like to share a few quotes from others who were close to Yogi.
Commissioner Rob Manfred
"Renowned as a great teammate, Yogi stood for values like inclusion and respect during the vital era when our game became complete and open to all. With his trademark humility and good humor, Yogi represented only goodwill to baseball fans."
Bernie Williams
"What a beautiful man...What a Beautiful spirit. Celebrate the life of Yogi Berra today."
Hal Steinbrenner
"Yogi Berra's legacy transcends baseball. Though slight in stature, he was a giant in the most significant ways through his service to his country, compassion for others and genuine enthusiasm for the game he loved. He has always been a role model and hero that America could look up to."
Derek Jeter
"To those who didn't know Yogi personally, he was one of the greatest players and Yankees of all time. To the lucky ones who did, he was an even better person. To me, he was a dear friend and mentor. He will always be remembered for his success on the field, but I believe his finest quality was how he treated everyone with sincerity and kindness."
Joe Torre
"We've lost Yogi, but we will always have what he left for us: The memories of a lifetime filled with greatness, humility, integrity and a whole bunch of smiles. He was a lovable friend."
President Barack O'Bama
"Berra was an American original--a Hall of Famer and humble veteran, prolific jokester and jovial prophet. He epitomized what it meant to be a sportsman and a citizen with a big heart, competitive spirit and a selfless desire to open baseball to everyone no matter their background."
In closing, it seems fitting to include an exchange that took place between Yogi and his beloved wife Carmen one day.
Carmen: We live in New Jersey and you used to play ball in New York. If you go before I do, where would you like me to have you buried?
Yogi: Surprise me.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Friday, September 18, 2015
The Game's Biggest Whiffers
Any batter who swings for the fences is bound to strike out fairly often--it's an unavoidable fact. On the road to 700-plus lifetime homers, Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds were victimized by opposing pitchers more than 1,300 times apiece. Reggie Jackson--considered by many to be the most reliable October slugger in history--struck out 70 times in postseason play while generating 33 extra-base hits (18 of them homers). Everyone loves the long ball and it seems that GM's and managers are willing to tolerate high strikeout totals in exchange for homers and RBIs.
But how many strikeouts are too much?
Of all the ways to be retired, a strikeout is the least productive. A guy who whiffs a lot is consistently failing to advance base runners. And though a healthy number of walks might help offset high strikeout totals, there's a point where the cost of a strikeout exceeds the potential benefits. The following men helped raise the bar for futility at the plate over the course of their careers.
Jake Stahl (1903-1913)
A .261 lifetime hitter, Stahl led the American League in homers while playing for the Red Sox in 1910. He would later serve as a player/manager during Boston's championship season of 1912. In an era when players were encouraged to make contact with the ball, Stahl was an accomplished strikeout artist. He led the league three times in that category, gathering more than 80 K's in six of his nine major league seasons. His 128 strikeouts in 1910 were a record at the time. He was the only player in the majors to reach the century mark that year.
Vince DiMaggio (1937-1946)
The oldest and least heralded of the three DiMaggio brothers, Vince enjoyed a few good slugging seasons in the late-thirties/early-forties. He put up double digit homer totals in seven of his nine seasons while driving-in 75 or more runs four times. He also led the NL in strikeouts on six occasions, peaking at 134 in 1938--a new single-season record.
Jim Lemon (1950-1963)
Lemon was among the Senators top run producers for a considerable stretch. Between 1956 and 1960, he clubbed no fewer than 26 homers four times while driving-in at least 64 runs each year. His production came at a rather high price as he finished among the top five in strikeouts for four straight seasons. In '56, he broke Vince DiMaggio's record with 138 K's. Over the course of his career, Lemon averaged one whiff per every 4 at-bats.
Dave Nicholson (1960-1967)
Few people remember outfielder Dave Nicholson. During his seven years in the majors, he played for four different clubs and never appeared in more than 126 games in a season. He reached the peak of his offensive potential with the White Sox in 1963, tying for the team lead in homers with 22. On the downside, he broke Harmon Killebrew's single-season record for strikeouts with 175. He retired with an average of 1 strikeout per every 3 at-bats.
Bobby Bonds (1968-1981)
For a good portion of his career, Bonds served as a leadoff man, combining speed with power. He was a member of the 30/30 club five times. He also captured three gold Gloves. But despite his many talents, he was vulnerable to the strikeout. He whiffed more than 100 times in seven consecutive seasons from '69-'75. In 1969, he set a new strikeout record with 187 K's. The following year, he raised the bar by two--a mark that would stand into the twenty-first century.
Adam Dunn (2001-2014)
There are few hitters who have whiffed with more regularity than Dunn. A giant of a man at 6-foot-6, 285 pounds, he strung together five consecutive 40-homer seasons from 2004-2008. He reached the century mark in RBIs on six occasions. Though Dunn drew quite a few walks--leading the league twice in that category--his strikeout totals are mind-blowing. He whiffed no fewer than 159 times during twelve of his fourteen seasons, averaging one K per every 3 at-bats. He broke Bobby Bonds strikeout record in 2004 and would have reset the mark multiple times had Ryan Howard and Mark Reynolds not beaten him to the punch.
Ryan Howard (2004-Present)
A prototypical slugger at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, Howard was Rookie of the Year in 2004 and MVP the following year. He reached the 30 homer/100 RBI plateau in six straight seasons with the Phillies. He also held the single-season strikeout record briefly when he was victimized 199 times in 2007. Still active at the time of this writing, Howard was averaging 1 whiff per every 3 at-bats during his career.
Mark Reynolds (2007-Present)
Reynolds has spent ample portions of his career at first and third base, fielding both positions below the league average. Though his offensive numbers have dropped off over the past two seasons, he was a top run producer for the Diamondbacks and Orioles between 2008-2012, averaging 33 homers and 88 RBIs per year. In that same span, he carved a small niche in the annals of baseball history with his high strikeout totals. For three straight seasons, Reynolds struck out more than 200 times, setting the all-time single-season mark in 2009 with 223. At the time of this writing, he was playing for the Cardinals and averaging one strikeout for every 3 at-bats during his career.
But how many strikeouts are too much?
Of all the ways to be retired, a strikeout is the least productive. A guy who whiffs a lot is consistently failing to advance base runners. And though a healthy number of walks might help offset high strikeout totals, there's a point where the cost of a strikeout exceeds the potential benefits. The following men helped raise the bar for futility at the plate over the course of their careers.
Jake Stahl (1903-1913)
A .261 lifetime hitter, Stahl led the American League in homers while playing for the Red Sox in 1910. He would later serve as a player/manager during Boston's championship season of 1912. In an era when players were encouraged to make contact with the ball, Stahl was an accomplished strikeout artist. He led the league three times in that category, gathering more than 80 K's in six of his nine major league seasons. His 128 strikeouts in 1910 were a record at the time. He was the only player in the majors to reach the century mark that year.
Vince DiMaggio (1937-1946)
The oldest and least heralded of the three DiMaggio brothers, Vince enjoyed a few good slugging seasons in the late-thirties/early-forties. He put up double digit homer totals in seven of his nine seasons while driving-in 75 or more runs four times. He also led the NL in strikeouts on six occasions, peaking at 134 in 1938--a new single-season record.
Jim Lemon (1950-1963)
Lemon was among the Senators top run producers for a considerable stretch. Between 1956 and 1960, he clubbed no fewer than 26 homers four times while driving-in at least 64 runs each year. His production came at a rather high price as he finished among the top five in strikeouts for four straight seasons. In '56, he broke Vince DiMaggio's record with 138 K's. Over the course of his career, Lemon averaged one whiff per every 4 at-bats.
Dave Nicholson (1960-1967)
Few people remember outfielder Dave Nicholson. During his seven years in the majors, he played for four different clubs and never appeared in more than 126 games in a season. He reached the peak of his offensive potential with the White Sox in 1963, tying for the team lead in homers with 22. On the downside, he broke Harmon Killebrew's single-season record for strikeouts with 175. He retired with an average of 1 strikeout per every 3 at-bats.
Bobby Bonds (1968-1981)
For a good portion of his career, Bonds served as a leadoff man, combining speed with power. He was a member of the 30/30 club five times. He also captured three gold Gloves. But despite his many talents, he was vulnerable to the strikeout. He whiffed more than 100 times in seven consecutive seasons from '69-'75. In 1969, he set a new strikeout record with 187 K's. The following year, he raised the bar by two--a mark that would stand into the twenty-first century.
Adam Dunn (2001-2014)
There are few hitters who have whiffed with more regularity than Dunn. A giant of a man at 6-foot-6, 285 pounds, he strung together five consecutive 40-homer seasons from 2004-2008. He reached the century mark in RBIs on six occasions. Though Dunn drew quite a few walks--leading the league twice in that category--his strikeout totals are mind-blowing. He whiffed no fewer than 159 times during twelve of his fourteen seasons, averaging one K per every 3 at-bats. He broke Bobby Bonds strikeout record in 2004 and would have reset the mark multiple times had Ryan Howard and Mark Reynolds not beaten him to the punch.
Ryan Howard (2004-Present)
A prototypical slugger at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, Howard was Rookie of the Year in 2004 and MVP the following year. He reached the 30 homer/100 RBI plateau in six straight seasons with the Phillies. He also held the single-season strikeout record briefly when he was victimized 199 times in 2007. Still active at the time of this writing, Howard was averaging 1 whiff per every 3 at-bats during his career.
Mark Reynolds (2007-Present)
Reynolds has spent ample portions of his career at first and third base, fielding both positions below the league average. Though his offensive numbers have dropped off over the past two seasons, he was a top run producer for the Diamondbacks and Orioles between 2008-2012, averaging 33 homers and 88 RBIs per year. In that same span, he carved a small niche in the annals of baseball history with his high strikeout totals. For three straight seasons, Reynolds struck out more than 200 times, setting the all-time single-season mark in 2009 with 223. At the time of this writing, he was playing for the Cardinals and averaging one strikeout for every 3 at-bats during his career.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Top Rookies Who Quickly Faded (2000-present)
2002
Jason Jennings- Colorado Rockies
Rare is the occasion when a Rockies pitcher earns accolades for his accomplishments on the mound. But Jennings captured Rookie of the Year honors despite playing in baseball's most bountiful hitter's paradise. In his first game, he pitched a shutout and hit a home run--the only pitcher to do so. He never had another winning season after his 16-8 showing in 2002. In 2007, he underwent arm surgery that effectively ended his career.
2003
Dontrelle Willis- Florida Marlins
With a flamboyant personality and dramatically high leg kick, Willis became the toast of the town when he helped the Marlins to a World series title in 2003. A resounding choice for Rookie of the Year, his career was star-crossed after that. Though he followed a sub-par 10-11 effort in '04 with a 22-win campaign in '05, his life began to unravel. In December of 2006, he was arrested for driving under the influence. In 2007, he began to lose the plate. By 2008, he was suffering from acute anxiety on the mound, which warranted a demotion to the minors. He made multiple unsuccessful comeback attempts.
2008
Geovany Soto- Chicago Cubs
The Cubs rejoiced in 2008 when Soto landed among the top offensive catchers in the majors and received a Rookie of the Year nod. Though he continued to play well defensively after that, he lost his swing. In his sophomore campaign, he hit just .218. He bounced back in 2010 with a .280 mark at the plate, but the performance proved to be a fluke when he reached a personal low of .198 in 2012. He has served as a back-up catcher ever since.
2009
Andrew Bailey- Oakland A's
According to Oakland's Moneyball philosophy, relievers are replaceable. Bailey seemed to be on his way to great things when he recorded 26 saves and captured Rookie of the Year honors in 2009. He saw increasingly less playing time over the next two seasons. Traded to Boston in 2012, he posted a 7.04 ERA in 19 appearances. He is currently property of the Yankees though he has spent most of the year in the minors.
2013
Jose Fernandez- Florida Marlins
The right-handed Fernandez was an All-Star and Rookie of the Year in his 2013 debut. His career was derailed the following year when he sustained an elbow sprain and underwent Tommy John surgery. He returned to the majors in July of 2015, but complained of shoulder stiffness in August. Only time will tell if he can fully recover.
2013
Wil Myers- Tampa Bay Rays
Myers made his debut in June of 2013 and was named Rookie of the Year on the strength of his .293 batting average and 36 extra-base hits in 88 games. He slumped to .222 in 2014 after sustaining a wrist injury in an outfield collision. Traded to Padres before the 2015 slate, his fortunes have not changed any. As of this writing, he has missed close to 100 games and spent a significant chunk of time in the minors.
Jason Jennings- Colorado Rockies
Rare is the occasion when a Rockies pitcher earns accolades for his accomplishments on the mound. But Jennings captured Rookie of the Year honors despite playing in baseball's most bountiful hitter's paradise. In his first game, he pitched a shutout and hit a home run--the only pitcher to do so. He never had another winning season after his 16-8 showing in 2002. In 2007, he underwent arm surgery that effectively ended his career.
2003
Dontrelle Willis- Florida Marlins
With a flamboyant personality and dramatically high leg kick, Willis became the toast of the town when he helped the Marlins to a World series title in 2003. A resounding choice for Rookie of the Year, his career was star-crossed after that. Though he followed a sub-par 10-11 effort in '04 with a 22-win campaign in '05, his life began to unravel. In December of 2006, he was arrested for driving under the influence. In 2007, he began to lose the plate. By 2008, he was suffering from acute anxiety on the mound, which warranted a demotion to the minors. He made multiple unsuccessful comeback attempts.
2008
Geovany Soto- Chicago Cubs
The Cubs rejoiced in 2008 when Soto landed among the top offensive catchers in the majors and received a Rookie of the Year nod. Though he continued to play well defensively after that, he lost his swing. In his sophomore campaign, he hit just .218. He bounced back in 2010 with a .280 mark at the plate, but the performance proved to be a fluke when he reached a personal low of .198 in 2012. He has served as a back-up catcher ever since.
2009
Andrew Bailey- Oakland A's
According to Oakland's Moneyball philosophy, relievers are replaceable. Bailey seemed to be on his way to great things when he recorded 26 saves and captured Rookie of the Year honors in 2009. He saw increasingly less playing time over the next two seasons. Traded to Boston in 2012, he posted a 7.04 ERA in 19 appearances. He is currently property of the Yankees though he has spent most of the year in the minors.
2013
Jose Fernandez- Florida Marlins
The right-handed Fernandez was an All-Star and Rookie of the Year in his 2013 debut. His career was derailed the following year when he sustained an elbow sprain and underwent Tommy John surgery. He returned to the majors in July of 2015, but complained of shoulder stiffness in August. Only time will tell if he can fully recover.
2013
Wil Myers- Tampa Bay Rays
Myers made his debut in June of 2013 and was named Rookie of the Year on the strength of his .293 batting average and 36 extra-base hits in 88 games. He slumped to .222 in 2014 after sustaining a wrist injury in an outfield collision. Traded to Padres before the 2015 slate, his fortunes have not changed any. As of this writing, he has missed close to 100 games and spent a significant chunk of time in the minors.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Top Rookies Who Quickly Faded (1980-1999)
1980
Joe Charboneau- Indians
"Super Joe" was a breath of fresh air for the struggling Indians, hitting .289 with 23 homers and 87 RBIs in his debut. During spring training the following year, he was injured executing a headfirst slide. He was limited to 70 appearances in '81/'82 and, though he underwent surgery, he never returned to his prior form. He continued in the minors through 1984.
1980
Steve Howe- Dodgers
Howe claimed the second in a line of four consecutive Rookie of the Year Awards given to Dodger players. He saved 17 games and won 7 more in 1980 while compiling a 2.66 ERA. Though he had a handful of decent seasons after that, he became infamous for his alcohol and cocaine use. During his twelve years in the majors, Howe was suspended seven times. In 1992 he received a lifetime ban, which was overturned by his arbitrator. Out of the majors after '96, he died in a 2006 car accident.
1989
Jerome Walton- Cubs
Great things were expected of Walton after his rookie campaign, in which he hit .293 with 46 RBIs while helping the Cubs to a division title. Perennially injured, he never matched those numbers in any other season. Though he appeared in 123 games in 1991, he managed a feeble .219 batting average. Aside from the '95 slate, he logged fewer than 100 at-bats every year from 1992-1998.
1992
Pat Listach- Brewers
Primarily a shortstop, the speedy Listach was handy at second base and in the outfield as well. In his rookie season of '92, he stole 54 bases in 149 games. Multiple injuries limited him to no more than 101 appearances per year over the next five seasons. In 1996, the Brewers tried to trade him to the Yankees, but ended up sending pitcher Ricky Bones to New York in compensation when Listach failed to get into a single game due to injury.
1994
Bob Hamelin- Royals
Hamelin had a promising first year with the Royals, smashing 24 homers with 65 RBIs in 101 games. But he never realized his potential. Slow afoot and below average defensively, he served mostly as a designated hitter over the next four seasons. He was out of the majors by the end of the '98 campaign.
1996
Todd Hollandsworth- Dodgers
Though Hollandsworth hung around the majors for more than a decade, he couldn't match the success of his 1996 effort, when he was honored as the NL's top rookie with a .291 batting average, 42 extra-base hits and 21 stolen bases. The Dodgers eventually gave up on him in 2000, shipping him to Colorado. Hollandsworth would spend time with six more teams before retiring. He was property of multiple clubs during four of his twelve major league seasons.
1998
Kerry Wood- Cubs
Wood is considered one of the top strikeout artists in baseball history with a lifetime average of 10.3 K's per 9 innings. In his fifth major league start, he fanned 20 batters in a game--a record matched twice by Roger Clemens. The injuries began to pile up immediately following Wood's Rookie of the Year effort. He sat out the entire '99 slate with arm difficulties and ended up missing significant playing time in all but two seasons between 2000 and 2006. In '07, he was assigned to the bullpen. Though it lengthened his career, he never led the league in any major statistical category for relievers. He appeared in his last game during the 2012 slate.
1999
Scott Williamson- Reds
This right-hander was a workhorse for Cincinnati in his rookie season of '99, winning 12 games and saving 19 with a handsome 2.41 ERA. The Reds hung onto him until July of 2003, when it became evident that he was not developing into a star. He was a major contributor for the Red Sox during the 2003 ALDS and ALCS, but faded back into obscurity immediately afterward. Though he entered 103 games between 2004 and 2007, he was credited with just 3 wins and a save. His ERA was an unwieldy 5.42 in that span. In 2011, he put his World Series ring up for sale.
Joe Charboneau- Indians
"Super Joe" was a breath of fresh air for the struggling Indians, hitting .289 with 23 homers and 87 RBIs in his debut. During spring training the following year, he was injured executing a headfirst slide. He was limited to 70 appearances in '81/'82 and, though he underwent surgery, he never returned to his prior form. He continued in the minors through 1984.
1980
Steve Howe- Dodgers
Howe claimed the second in a line of four consecutive Rookie of the Year Awards given to Dodger players. He saved 17 games and won 7 more in 1980 while compiling a 2.66 ERA. Though he had a handful of decent seasons after that, he became infamous for his alcohol and cocaine use. During his twelve years in the majors, Howe was suspended seven times. In 1992 he received a lifetime ban, which was overturned by his arbitrator. Out of the majors after '96, he died in a 2006 car accident.
1989
Jerome Walton- Cubs
Great things were expected of Walton after his rookie campaign, in which he hit .293 with 46 RBIs while helping the Cubs to a division title. Perennially injured, he never matched those numbers in any other season. Though he appeared in 123 games in 1991, he managed a feeble .219 batting average. Aside from the '95 slate, he logged fewer than 100 at-bats every year from 1992-1998.
1992
Pat Listach- Brewers
Primarily a shortstop, the speedy Listach was handy at second base and in the outfield as well. In his rookie season of '92, he stole 54 bases in 149 games. Multiple injuries limited him to no more than 101 appearances per year over the next five seasons. In 1996, the Brewers tried to trade him to the Yankees, but ended up sending pitcher Ricky Bones to New York in compensation when Listach failed to get into a single game due to injury.
1994
Bob Hamelin- Royals
Hamelin had a promising first year with the Royals, smashing 24 homers with 65 RBIs in 101 games. But he never realized his potential. Slow afoot and below average defensively, he served mostly as a designated hitter over the next four seasons. He was out of the majors by the end of the '98 campaign.
1996
Todd Hollandsworth- Dodgers
Though Hollandsworth hung around the majors for more than a decade, he couldn't match the success of his 1996 effort, when he was honored as the NL's top rookie with a .291 batting average, 42 extra-base hits and 21 stolen bases. The Dodgers eventually gave up on him in 2000, shipping him to Colorado. Hollandsworth would spend time with six more teams before retiring. He was property of multiple clubs during four of his twelve major league seasons.
1998
Kerry Wood- Cubs
Wood is considered one of the top strikeout artists in baseball history with a lifetime average of 10.3 K's per 9 innings. In his fifth major league start, he fanned 20 batters in a game--a record matched twice by Roger Clemens. The injuries began to pile up immediately following Wood's Rookie of the Year effort. He sat out the entire '99 slate with arm difficulties and ended up missing significant playing time in all but two seasons between 2000 and 2006. In '07, he was assigned to the bullpen. Though it lengthened his career, he never led the league in any major statistical category for relievers. He appeared in his last game during the 2012 slate.
1999
Scott Williamson- Reds
This right-hander was a workhorse for Cincinnati in his rookie season of '99, winning 12 games and saving 19 with a handsome 2.41 ERA. The Reds hung onto him until July of 2003, when it became evident that he was not developing into a star. He was a major contributor for the Red Sox during the 2003 ALDS and ALCS, but faded back into obscurity immediately afterward. Though he entered 103 games between 2004 and 2007, he was credited with just 3 wins and a save. His ERA was an unwieldy 5.42 in that span. In 2011, he put his World Series ring up for sale.
Monday, August 17, 2015
Top Rookies Who Quickly Faded (1947-1979)
Since 1947, major league baseball has honored its top freshman with a Rookie of the Year Award. The award was combined in '47/ '48 with only one player being chosen from both leagues. Though many recipients have gone on to long, fruitful careers, there are plenty of honorees who faded quickly into oblivion. Over the next several posts, we will take a look at these forgotten "flashes in the pan."
1950
Sam Jethroe- Boston Braves
A speedy center fielder with wide range and strong arm, Jethroe spent most of his best seasons in the Negro Leagues. He was thirty-three years old by the time he reached the majors in 1950. The oldest player to be named Rookie of the Year, he led the league in stolen bases and scored 100 runs in consecutive seasons. In '52 His batting average plummeted to .232 and the Braves dumped him. The Pirates picked him up in '54, but quickly abandoned the project.
1952
Joe Black- Brooklyn Dodgers
Black developed his skills in the Negro Leagues before making his big league debut at the age of twenty-eight. He took the NL by storm, posting a 15-4 record primarily in relief with 15 saves and a 2.15 ERA. He was a starter In Game 1 of the '52 World Series, becoming the first black player to appear in the postseason win column with a 6-hit gem against the Yankees. In 1953, manager Chuck Dressen urged Black to experiment with a changeup and it seriously screwed up his mechanics. He never posted an ERA below 4.00 ever again. He was out of the majors after the '57 slate.
1952
Harry Byrd- Philadelphia A's
This right-hander had the misfortune of playing for one of the worst teams in the majors at the start of his career. Still, he would have fizzled in any city. After claiming Rookie of the Year honors with 15 wins and a 3.31 ERA in 1952, he led the league in earned runs, hit batsmen and losses the following year. Over the next three seasons, he played for four different teams, compiling a mediocre 20-19 record.
1961
Don Schwall- Boston Red Sox
The BoSox rejoiced when this towering right-hander (standing 6-foot-6) posted a 15-7 record and a 3.22 ERA in his big league debut. But he was never terribly effective after that. In his '62 follow-up, he accrued a cumbersome 4.94 earned run average and lost 15 of 24 decisions. He was traded to Pittsburgh and Atlanta before disappearing from the majors after the '67 slate. He was one of only six Red Sox players to be named Rookie of the Year. All of the others went on to longer, more prosperous careers.
1962
Ken Hubbs- Chicago Cubs
The Cubs thought they had found an ideal infield partner for Ernie Banks when Hubbs arrived on the scene. The smooth-fielding second baseman collected 172 hits and became the first rookie to win a Gold Glove Award. Though his batting average dropped to .235 in '63, he posted the second highest range factor in the league and was hailed as one of the premier defensive infielders in the game. Realizing that his debilitating fear of flying could endanger his career, he decided to confront it by taking flying lessons. In a tragic turn of events, he died when the plane he was piloting crashed in a storm shortly before the '64 slate.
1976
Mark Fidrych- Detroit Tigers
Fidrych became a media sensation in his debut not only for his pitching performance but also for his peculiar on-field antics. His 19 wins, 2.34 ERA and 24 complete games made opposing teams envious. And his bizarre behavior--which included talking to the ball and grooming the mound with his bare hands--won him legions of fans throughout the baseball world. He was off to another good start in '77 before an arm injury ended his season prematurely. Though he had sustained a torn rotator cuff, it wouldn't be diagnosed for several years. He tried to pitch through it, but couldn't. He was finished in the majors by 1980.
1976
Butch Metzger- San Diego Padres
In the 1970s, closers were expected to work several innings at a time. Groomed as a reliever in the minors, Metzger ate up 123.1 innings for the Padres in '76, gathering 11 wins and 16 saves while posting a 2.92 ERA. He tied a major league record by winning the first 12 decisions of his career. After his Rookie of the Year effort, he never had another good season. Over the next two campaigns, he went 5-5 with a cumulative 4.30 ERA--way too high to be an effective closer. He converted just fifty-three percent of his career save opportunities.
1979
John Castino- Minnesota Twins
Castino appeared to be on his way to bigger and better things when he captured Rookie of the Year honors on the strength of his .285 batting average and sterling defensive work around third base in '79. His follow-up season was even better as he topped the .300 mark at the plate and led the league in assists. Soon afterward, he began to suffer from chronic back pain. He sat out 61 games in '81 and 45 the following year. Out of the majors by '85, he obtained his Masters Degree and pursued a career as an investment advisor.
1950
Sam Jethroe- Boston Braves
A speedy center fielder with wide range and strong arm, Jethroe spent most of his best seasons in the Negro Leagues. He was thirty-three years old by the time he reached the majors in 1950. The oldest player to be named Rookie of the Year, he led the league in stolen bases and scored 100 runs in consecutive seasons. In '52 His batting average plummeted to .232 and the Braves dumped him. The Pirates picked him up in '54, but quickly abandoned the project.
1952
Joe Black- Brooklyn Dodgers
Black developed his skills in the Negro Leagues before making his big league debut at the age of twenty-eight. He took the NL by storm, posting a 15-4 record primarily in relief with 15 saves and a 2.15 ERA. He was a starter In Game 1 of the '52 World Series, becoming the first black player to appear in the postseason win column with a 6-hit gem against the Yankees. In 1953, manager Chuck Dressen urged Black to experiment with a changeup and it seriously screwed up his mechanics. He never posted an ERA below 4.00 ever again. He was out of the majors after the '57 slate.
1952
Harry Byrd- Philadelphia A's
This right-hander had the misfortune of playing for one of the worst teams in the majors at the start of his career. Still, he would have fizzled in any city. After claiming Rookie of the Year honors with 15 wins and a 3.31 ERA in 1952, he led the league in earned runs, hit batsmen and losses the following year. Over the next three seasons, he played for four different teams, compiling a mediocre 20-19 record.
1961
Don Schwall- Boston Red Sox
The BoSox rejoiced when this towering right-hander (standing 6-foot-6) posted a 15-7 record and a 3.22 ERA in his big league debut. But he was never terribly effective after that. In his '62 follow-up, he accrued a cumbersome 4.94 earned run average and lost 15 of 24 decisions. He was traded to Pittsburgh and Atlanta before disappearing from the majors after the '67 slate. He was one of only six Red Sox players to be named Rookie of the Year. All of the others went on to longer, more prosperous careers.
1962
Ken Hubbs- Chicago Cubs
The Cubs thought they had found an ideal infield partner for Ernie Banks when Hubbs arrived on the scene. The smooth-fielding second baseman collected 172 hits and became the first rookie to win a Gold Glove Award. Though his batting average dropped to .235 in '63, he posted the second highest range factor in the league and was hailed as one of the premier defensive infielders in the game. Realizing that his debilitating fear of flying could endanger his career, he decided to confront it by taking flying lessons. In a tragic turn of events, he died when the plane he was piloting crashed in a storm shortly before the '64 slate.
1976
Mark Fidrych- Detroit Tigers
Fidrych became a media sensation in his debut not only for his pitching performance but also for his peculiar on-field antics. His 19 wins, 2.34 ERA and 24 complete games made opposing teams envious. And his bizarre behavior--which included talking to the ball and grooming the mound with his bare hands--won him legions of fans throughout the baseball world. He was off to another good start in '77 before an arm injury ended his season prematurely. Though he had sustained a torn rotator cuff, it wouldn't be diagnosed for several years. He tried to pitch through it, but couldn't. He was finished in the majors by 1980.
1976
Butch Metzger- San Diego Padres
In the 1970s, closers were expected to work several innings at a time. Groomed as a reliever in the minors, Metzger ate up 123.1 innings for the Padres in '76, gathering 11 wins and 16 saves while posting a 2.92 ERA. He tied a major league record by winning the first 12 decisions of his career. After his Rookie of the Year effort, he never had another good season. Over the next two campaigns, he went 5-5 with a cumulative 4.30 ERA--way too high to be an effective closer. He converted just fifty-three percent of his career save opportunities.
1979
John Castino- Minnesota Twins
Castino appeared to be on his way to bigger and better things when he captured Rookie of the Year honors on the strength of his .285 batting average and sterling defensive work around third base in '79. His follow-up season was even better as he topped the .300 mark at the plate and led the league in assists. Soon afterward, he began to suffer from chronic back pain. He sat out 61 games in '81 and 45 the following year. Out of the majors by '85, he obtained his Masters Degree and pursued a career as an investment advisor.
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Immaculate Innings By Hall of Famers
On the surface, baseball may appear to be a simple sport, but in reality nothing could be more complicated. A man stands on a raised dirt platform and attempts to throw a rawhide sphere over a distance of sixty feet, six inches into an invisible quadrant measuring slightly more than three square feet past an opponent armed with a wooden club who has practiced the art of hitting flying projectiles for most of his life. All this under the scrutiny of an official who has been given the authority to make arbitrary and at times unjust decisions. Put in its proper perspective, the so-called "immaculate inning" is one of the most stupendous feats in all of sports.
Three pitches--Nine Strikes--Three Outs--One Inning
There are seventy four pitchers currently residing in the Hall of Fame. Of those men, only eleven have completed an immaculate inning. Details are as follows:
Rube Waddell of Philadelphia A's against Baltimore Orioles at Columbia Park in Philadelphia. July 1, 1902.
Third Inning. Catcher: Ossee Schreckengost. Batters: Billy Gilbert, Harry Howell and Jack Cronin. Final Score: A's 2 Orioles 0.
Dazzy Vance of Brooklyn Robins against Cincinnati Reds at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. September 14, 1924.
Second Inning. Catcher: Hank DeBerry. Umpire: Bob Hart. Batters: Sam Bohne, Bubbles Hargrave, Eppa Rixey. Final Score: Robins 2 Reds 0.
Lefty Grove of Philadelphia A's against Cleveland Indians at at Shibe Park in Philadelphia. August 23, 1928.
Second Inning. Catcher: Mickey Cochrane. Umpire: Dan Barry. Batters: Eddie Morgan, Luther Harvel and Chick Autry. Final Score: A's 3 Indians 1.
Lefty Grove of Philadelphia A's against Chicago White Sox at Comiskey Park in Chicago. September 27, 1928.
Seventh Inning. Catcher: Mickey Cochrane. Umpire: Harry Geisel. Batters: Moe Berg, Tommy Thomas, Johnny Mostil. Final Score: A's 5 White Sox 3.
Robin Roberts of Philadelphia Phillies against Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. April 17, 1956.
Sixth Inning. Catcher: Andy Seminick. Umpire: Jocko Conlon. Batters: Carl Furillo, Charlie Neal, Sandy Amoros. Final Score: Phillies 8 Dodgers 6.
Jim Bunning of Detroit Tigers against Boston Red Sox at Briggs Stadium in Detroit. August 2, 1959.
Ninth Inning. Catcher: Red Wilson. Umpire: Nestor Chylak. Batters: Sammy White, Jim Mahoney, Ike DeLock. Final Score Red Sox 5 Tigers 4. (This was a one-inning relief appearance for Bunning)
Sandy Koufax of Los Angeles Dodgers against New York Mets at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. June 30, 1962.
First Inning. Catcher: John Roseboro. Umpire: Mel Steiner. Batters: Richie Ashburn, Rod Kanehl, Felix Mantilla. Final Score: Dodgers 5 Mets 0.
Sandy Koufax of Los Angeles Dodgers against Houston Colt .45s at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. April 19, 1963.
Fifth Inning. Catcher: John Roseboro. Umpire: Bill Jackowski. Batters: Bob Aspromonte, Jim Campbell, Turk Farrell. Final Score: Dodgers 2 Colt .45s 0.
Sandy Koufax of Los Angeles Dodgers against Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. April 18, 1964.
Third Inning. Catcher: John Roseboro. Umpire: Al Barlick. Batters: Leo Cardenas, Johnny Edwards, Jim Maloney. Final Score: Reds 3 Dodgers 0.
Nolan Ryan of New York Mets against Los Angeles Dodgers at Shea Stadium in New York. April 19, 1968.
Third Inning. Catcher: Jerry Grote. Umpire: Tom Gorman. Batters: Claude Osteen, Wes Parkeer, Zoilo Versalles. Final Score: Dodgers 3 Mets 2.
Bob Gibson of St. Louis Cardinals againsst Los Angeles Dodgers at Busch Stadium in St Louis. May 12, 1969.
Seventh Inning. Catcher: Joe Torre. Umpire: Al Barlick. Batters: Len Gabrielson, Paul Popovich, John Miller. Final Score: Cardinals 6 Dodgers 2.
Nolan Ryan of California Angels against Red Sox at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim. July 9, 1972.
Second Inning. Catcher: John Stephenson. Umpire: John Rice. Batters: Carlton Fisk, Bob Burda, Juan Beniquez. Final Score: Angels 3 Red Sox 0.
Bruce Sutter of Chicago Cubs against Montreal Expos at Wrigley Field in Chicago. September 8, 1977.
Ninth Inning. Catcher: Steve Swisher. Umpire: Terry Tata. Batters: Ellis Valentine, Gary Carter, Larry Parrish. final Score: Cubs 3 Expos 2.
Randy Johnson of Houston Astros against Atlanta Braves at Turner Field in Atlanta. September 2, 1998.
Sixth Inning. Catcher: Brad Ausmus. Umpire: Gary Darling. Batters: Javy Lopez, Andruw Jones, Greg Colbrunn. Final Score: Astros 4 Braves 2.
Randy Johnson of Arizona Diamondbacks against Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. August 23, 2001.
Sixth Inning. Catcher: Damian Miller. Umpire: Mike Fichter. Batters: Tony McKnight, Gary Matthews, Jack Wilson. Final Score: Pirates 5 Diamondbacks 1.
Pedro Martinez of Boston Red Sox against Seattle Marineers at Fenway Park in Boston. May 18, 2002.
First Inning. Catcher: Jason Varitek. Umpire: Jerry Meals. Batters: Ichiro Suzuki, Mark McLemore, Ruben Sierra. Final Score: Red Sox 4 Mariners 1.
In examining the data, I believe that Randy Johnson's immaculate inning against the Braves in 1998 is the most impressive. With all the chanting and tomahawk chopping, Atlanta's Turner Field was a tough place for opposing pitchers during that time. Lopez and Jones were imminent power threats with 65 homers between them that year. Colbrunn was no slouch with a bat either, entering the game with a .307 average. Johnson had already thrown more than 200 innings at that point in the season and the Braves were making their third pass through the lineup against him. At least he had the benefit of Gary Darling's notoriously wide strike zone.
Three pitches--Nine Strikes--Three Outs--One Inning
There are seventy four pitchers currently residing in the Hall of Fame. Of those men, only eleven have completed an immaculate inning. Details are as follows:
Rube Waddell of Philadelphia A's against Baltimore Orioles at Columbia Park in Philadelphia. July 1, 1902.
Third Inning. Catcher: Ossee Schreckengost. Batters: Billy Gilbert, Harry Howell and Jack Cronin. Final Score: A's 2 Orioles 0.
Dazzy Vance of Brooklyn Robins against Cincinnati Reds at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. September 14, 1924.
Second Inning. Catcher: Hank DeBerry. Umpire: Bob Hart. Batters: Sam Bohne, Bubbles Hargrave, Eppa Rixey. Final Score: Robins 2 Reds 0.
Lefty Grove of Philadelphia A's against Cleveland Indians at at Shibe Park in Philadelphia. August 23, 1928.
Second Inning. Catcher: Mickey Cochrane. Umpire: Dan Barry. Batters: Eddie Morgan, Luther Harvel and Chick Autry. Final Score: A's 3 Indians 1.
Lefty Grove of Philadelphia A's against Chicago White Sox at Comiskey Park in Chicago. September 27, 1928.
Seventh Inning. Catcher: Mickey Cochrane. Umpire: Harry Geisel. Batters: Moe Berg, Tommy Thomas, Johnny Mostil. Final Score: A's 5 White Sox 3.
Robin Roberts of Philadelphia Phillies against Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. April 17, 1956.
Sixth Inning. Catcher: Andy Seminick. Umpire: Jocko Conlon. Batters: Carl Furillo, Charlie Neal, Sandy Amoros. Final Score: Phillies 8 Dodgers 6.
Jim Bunning of Detroit Tigers against Boston Red Sox at Briggs Stadium in Detroit. August 2, 1959.
Ninth Inning. Catcher: Red Wilson. Umpire: Nestor Chylak. Batters: Sammy White, Jim Mahoney, Ike DeLock. Final Score Red Sox 5 Tigers 4. (This was a one-inning relief appearance for Bunning)
Sandy Koufax of Los Angeles Dodgers against New York Mets at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. June 30, 1962.
First Inning. Catcher: John Roseboro. Umpire: Mel Steiner. Batters: Richie Ashburn, Rod Kanehl, Felix Mantilla. Final Score: Dodgers 5 Mets 0.
Sandy Koufax of Los Angeles Dodgers against Houston Colt .45s at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. April 19, 1963.
Fifth Inning. Catcher: John Roseboro. Umpire: Bill Jackowski. Batters: Bob Aspromonte, Jim Campbell, Turk Farrell. Final Score: Dodgers 2 Colt .45s 0.
Sandy Koufax of Los Angeles Dodgers against Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. April 18, 1964.
Third Inning. Catcher: John Roseboro. Umpire: Al Barlick. Batters: Leo Cardenas, Johnny Edwards, Jim Maloney. Final Score: Reds 3 Dodgers 0.
Nolan Ryan of New York Mets against Los Angeles Dodgers at Shea Stadium in New York. April 19, 1968.
Third Inning. Catcher: Jerry Grote. Umpire: Tom Gorman. Batters: Claude Osteen, Wes Parkeer, Zoilo Versalles. Final Score: Dodgers 3 Mets 2.
Bob Gibson of St. Louis Cardinals againsst Los Angeles Dodgers at Busch Stadium in St Louis. May 12, 1969.
Seventh Inning. Catcher: Joe Torre. Umpire: Al Barlick. Batters: Len Gabrielson, Paul Popovich, John Miller. Final Score: Cardinals 6 Dodgers 2.
Nolan Ryan of California Angels against Red Sox at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim. July 9, 1972.
Second Inning. Catcher: John Stephenson. Umpire: John Rice. Batters: Carlton Fisk, Bob Burda, Juan Beniquez. Final Score: Angels 3 Red Sox 0.
Bruce Sutter of Chicago Cubs against Montreal Expos at Wrigley Field in Chicago. September 8, 1977.
Ninth Inning. Catcher: Steve Swisher. Umpire: Terry Tata. Batters: Ellis Valentine, Gary Carter, Larry Parrish. final Score: Cubs 3 Expos 2.
Randy Johnson of Houston Astros against Atlanta Braves at Turner Field in Atlanta. September 2, 1998.
Sixth Inning. Catcher: Brad Ausmus. Umpire: Gary Darling. Batters: Javy Lopez, Andruw Jones, Greg Colbrunn. Final Score: Astros 4 Braves 2.
Randy Johnson of Arizona Diamondbacks against Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. August 23, 2001.
Sixth Inning. Catcher: Damian Miller. Umpire: Mike Fichter. Batters: Tony McKnight, Gary Matthews, Jack Wilson. Final Score: Pirates 5 Diamondbacks 1.
Pedro Martinez of Boston Red Sox against Seattle Marineers at Fenway Park in Boston. May 18, 2002.
First Inning. Catcher: Jason Varitek. Umpire: Jerry Meals. Batters: Ichiro Suzuki, Mark McLemore, Ruben Sierra. Final Score: Red Sox 4 Mariners 1.
In examining the data, I believe that Randy Johnson's immaculate inning against the Braves in 1998 is the most impressive. With all the chanting and tomahawk chopping, Atlanta's Turner Field was a tough place for opposing pitchers during that time. Lopez and Jones were imminent power threats with 65 homers between them that year. Colbrunn was no slouch with a bat either, entering the game with a .307 average. Johnson had already thrown more than 200 innings at that point in the season and the Braves were making their third pass through the lineup against him. At least he had the benefit of Gary Darling's notoriously wide strike zone.
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Fast Facts About Every Perfect Game
More than 300,000 games have been played over the course of baseball history. Only twenty-three of them featured a pitcher retiring all 27 batters in order. Here are some miscellaneous items of interest for each perfect game.
On June 12, 1880, Lee Richmond of the Worcester Worcesters tossed the first recorded perfect game in history. In Richmond's day, one umpire presided over the entire field and it's possible (even likely) that he got the benefit of some questionable calls.
On June 17, 1880, John Montgomery Ward pitched a perfect game over the Buffalo Bisons. At twenty years of age, Ward remains the youngest pitcher to record a perfecto. An interesting side note, the mound was only fifty feet from home plate in 1880.
On May 5, 1904, Cy Young completely dominated the Philadelphia A's. Parks were smaller in those days and only 10,000-plus Bostonians witness Young's historic feat. By then, the mound had been moved to its current distance of 60 feet, 6 inches.
On Oct. 2, 1908, Hall of Famer Addie Joss turned in one of the most efficient pitching performances of all time, using just 74 pitches to retire every White Sox opponent who came to the plate that day. The game was over in 1 hour and 30 minutes.
On Apr. 30, 1922, Charlie Robertson of the White Sox was perfect against the Tigers at Detroit. Despite his masterpiece, Robertson never recorded a .500 record in any season. He was 49-80 lifetime with a bulky 4.44 ERA. There would not be another perfect game in the majors for forty-two years.
On Oct. 8, 1956, Don Larsen pitched the only perfect game in World Series history. Witnessed by a huge crowd of 64,000-plus, he shut down the Dodgers, 2-0. Larsen had such a notoriously weak fastball, writer Shirley Povich once remarked that it "ought to have been equipped with backup lights."
On June 21, 1964, Phillies right-hander Jim Bunning was perfect against the hapless Mets at Shea Stadium. Of all the pitchers who have achieved perfection, Bunning is the only one to have served as a United States Senator. Bunning chatted with teammates between innings throughout this game--a somewhat unusual practice considering what was at stake.
On Sept. 9, 1965, Sandy Koufax pitched a masterpiece against the Cubs at Los Angeles. This perfecto was unique in that it featured the fewest hits by either team (1) and the fewest base runners (3). The Dodgers' only run was unearned.
On May 8, 1968, Catfish Hunter got his name on the map with a perfect game over the Twins. When it was over, A's owner Charlie Finley called Catfish and informed him that he had just cost the team $5,000. When Hunter apologized and asked why, Finley told Hunter that he would be increasing the hurler's salary by that much the following year.
On May 15, 1981,Len Barker of the Indians efficiently disposed of every Toronto hitter he faced. This was the second most sparsely attended perfect game in history with just over 7,000 fans on hand. Only Hunter's perfect game in'68 drew fewer witnesses.
On September 30, 1984, Mike Witt of the Angels completely derailed the Texas Rangers. This was the last game of the season. Witt would participate in a combined no-hitter with Mark Langston six years later.
On Sept. 16, 1988, Cincinnati's Tom Browning threw a perfecto against the Dodgers. Browning had come close to a no-hitter earlier that year, going eight and a third innings against the Padres without yielding a hit. Predictably, it was Tony Gwynn who broke up Browning's bid with a grounder through the hole at short.
On July 28, 1991, Dennis Martinez completed a perfect game over the Dodgers. Hailing from Nicaragua, he was the first pitcher born outside the U.S. to attain the feat. At thirty-six years of age, he was the second oldest. (Cy Young was thirty-seven.)
On July 28, 1994, Kenny Rogers of the Rangers etched his name into the record books against the Angels. Interestingly, the home plate umpire was a minor league substitute working in place of veteran Ken Kaiser. He had only six games of major league experience calling balls and strikes.
On May 17, 1998, Yankee bad boy David Wells completed a gem against the Twins. Wells claimed to have been hung over from the night before. Actor Billy Crystal came to the clubhouse to congratulate Wells and joked: "I got here late--what happened?"
On July 18, 1999, David Cone became the third Yankee hurler to attain immortality. His historic game occurred on "Yogi Berra Day" at Yankee Stadium. As fate would have it, Don Larsen had thrown a ceremonial pitch to Berra before the game commemorating Larsen's '56 World Series perfecto.
On May 18, 2004, left-handed strikeout king Randy Johnson vanquished the Braves in spectacular fashion, striking out 13. At forty years-old, he became the oldest pitcher to toss a perfect game.
On July 23, 2009, Mark Buehrle of the White Sox threw the only perfect game in the history of US Cellular Field. In the game following Buehrle's historic effort, he retired the first 17 batters he faced. His 45 consecutive outs broke a record previously held by teammate Bobby Jenks.
In 2010, Dallas Braden of the A's and Roy Halladay of the Phillies pitched perfect games just twenty days apart--the shortest time span between any two perfectos. Halladay pitched a no-hitter later that year against the Reds in the NLDS, becoming the second pitcher to turn the trick in postseason play.
2012 was a historic year as Philip Humber of the White Sox, Matt Cain of the Giants and Felix Hernandez of the Mariners all achieved perfection. This had never happened before and quite possibly never will again. Humber is perhaps the most undistinguished pitcher ever to throw a perfect game. He played in less than a hundred contests from 2006-20013 and left the majors with a 5.31 ERA.
Just goes to show you that on any given day...
On June 12, 1880, Lee Richmond of the Worcester Worcesters tossed the first recorded perfect game in history. In Richmond's day, one umpire presided over the entire field and it's possible (even likely) that he got the benefit of some questionable calls.
On June 17, 1880, John Montgomery Ward pitched a perfect game over the Buffalo Bisons. At twenty years of age, Ward remains the youngest pitcher to record a perfecto. An interesting side note, the mound was only fifty feet from home plate in 1880.
On May 5, 1904, Cy Young completely dominated the Philadelphia A's. Parks were smaller in those days and only 10,000-plus Bostonians witness Young's historic feat. By then, the mound had been moved to its current distance of 60 feet, 6 inches.
On Oct. 2, 1908, Hall of Famer Addie Joss turned in one of the most efficient pitching performances of all time, using just 74 pitches to retire every White Sox opponent who came to the plate that day. The game was over in 1 hour and 30 minutes.
On Apr. 30, 1922, Charlie Robertson of the White Sox was perfect against the Tigers at Detroit. Despite his masterpiece, Robertson never recorded a .500 record in any season. He was 49-80 lifetime with a bulky 4.44 ERA. There would not be another perfect game in the majors for forty-two years.
On Oct. 8, 1956, Don Larsen pitched the only perfect game in World Series history. Witnessed by a huge crowd of 64,000-plus, he shut down the Dodgers, 2-0. Larsen had such a notoriously weak fastball, writer Shirley Povich once remarked that it "ought to have been equipped with backup lights."
On June 21, 1964, Phillies right-hander Jim Bunning was perfect against the hapless Mets at Shea Stadium. Of all the pitchers who have achieved perfection, Bunning is the only one to have served as a United States Senator. Bunning chatted with teammates between innings throughout this game--a somewhat unusual practice considering what was at stake.
On Sept. 9, 1965, Sandy Koufax pitched a masterpiece against the Cubs at Los Angeles. This perfecto was unique in that it featured the fewest hits by either team (1) and the fewest base runners (3). The Dodgers' only run was unearned.
On May 8, 1968, Catfish Hunter got his name on the map with a perfect game over the Twins. When it was over, A's owner Charlie Finley called Catfish and informed him that he had just cost the team $5,000. When Hunter apologized and asked why, Finley told Hunter that he would be increasing the hurler's salary by that much the following year.
On May 15, 1981,Len Barker of the Indians efficiently disposed of every Toronto hitter he faced. This was the second most sparsely attended perfect game in history with just over 7,000 fans on hand. Only Hunter's perfect game in'68 drew fewer witnesses.
On September 30, 1984, Mike Witt of the Angels completely derailed the Texas Rangers. This was the last game of the season. Witt would participate in a combined no-hitter with Mark Langston six years later.
On Sept. 16, 1988, Cincinnati's Tom Browning threw a perfecto against the Dodgers. Browning had come close to a no-hitter earlier that year, going eight and a third innings against the Padres without yielding a hit. Predictably, it was Tony Gwynn who broke up Browning's bid with a grounder through the hole at short.
On July 28, 1991, Dennis Martinez completed a perfect game over the Dodgers. Hailing from Nicaragua, he was the first pitcher born outside the U.S. to attain the feat. At thirty-six years of age, he was the second oldest. (Cy Young was thirty-seven.)
On July 28, 1994, Kenny Rogers of the Rangers etched his name into the record books against the Angels. Interestingly, the home plate umpire was a minor league substitute working in place of veteran Ken Kaiser. He had only six games of major league experience calling balls and strikes.
On May 17, 1998, Yankee bad boy David Wells completed a gem against the Twins. Wells claimed to have been hung over from the night before. Actor Billy Crystal came to the clubhouse to congratulate Wells and joked: "I got here late--what happened?"
On July 18, 1999, David Cone became the third Yankee hurler to attain immortality. His historic game occurred on "Yogi Berra Day" at Yankee Stadium. As fate would have it, Don Larsen had thrown a ceremonial pitch to Berra before the game commemorating Larsen's '56 World Series perfecto.
On May 18, 2004, left-handed strikeout king Randy Johnson vanquished the Braves in spectacular fashion, striking out 13. At forty years-old, he became the oldest pitcher to toss a perfect game.
On July 23, 2009, Mark Buehrle of the White Sox threw the only perfect game in the history of US Cellular Field. In the game following Buehrle's historic effort, he retired the first 17 batters he faced. His 45 consecutive outs broke a record previously held by teammate Bobby Jenks.
In 2010, Dallas Braden of the A's and Roy Halladay of the Phillies pitched perfect games just twenty days apart--the shortest time span between any two perfectos. Halladay pitched a no-hitter later that year against the Reds in the NLDS, becoming the second pitcher to turn the trick in postseason play.
2012 was a historic year as Philip Humber of the White Sox, Matt Cain of the Giants and Felix Hernandez of the Mariners all achieved perfection. This had never happened before and quite possibly never will again. Humber is perhaps the most undistinguished pitcher ever to throw a perfect game. He played in less than a hundred contests from 2006-20013 and left the majors with a 5.31 ERA.
Just goes to show you that on any given day...
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