How many perfect games have there been in baseball?
Baseball, often referred to as America’s pastime, has seen numerous milestones and unforgettable moments throughout its history. One of the most remarkable achievements in the sport is the perfect game, where a pitcher manages to retire all 27 batters they face without allowing a single hit, walk, or error. The question that often arises among baseball enthusiasts is: how many perfect games have there been in baseball? This article delves into the history of perfect games and highlights the notable pitchers who have achieved this extraordinary feat.
The first perfect game in Major League Baseball (MLB) history occurred on June 2, 1908, when Charlie Robertson of the Cincinnati Reds pitched against the Chicago Cubs. This milestone marked the beginning of a long wait for another perfect game, as it would take 58 years before the next one was recorded. On July 17, 1965, Don Larsen of the New York Yankees pitched the second perfect game in MLB history against the Brooklyn Dodgers, which also happened to be the last perfect game in the 20th century.
As the 21st century dawned, baseball fans witnessed a surge in perfect games. On July 23, 1999, David Cone of the New York Yankees became the third pitcher to throw a perfect game, defeating the Texas Rangers. The next perfect game came on July 2, 2004, when Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox no-hit the Minnesota Twins. This was followed by a string of perfect games, with 14 pitchers achieving the feat between 2008 and 2021. Notable pitchers who have thrown perfect games include Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners (August 15, 2012), Dallas Braden of the Oakland Athletics (May 9, 2010), and Matt Cain of the San Francisco Giants (June 13, 2012), among others.
Perfect games are rare occurrences in baseball, and their rarity adds to their significance. The combination of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck required to throw a perfect game is what makes it such a remarkable achievement. While the number of perfect games in baseball history may not be substantial, the fact that they continue to happen after more than a century of the sport’s existence is a testament to the enduring magic of baseball.
As of now, there have been 24 perfect games in MLB history. The quest for the perfect game continues to captivate fans and pitchers alike, as they strive to etch their names into the annals of baseball history. The next perfect game may be just around the corner, or it may take another 58 years to happen again. Regardless, the perfect game remains a cherished part of baseball’s rich history and a symbol of the sport’s unyielding allure.
