What is a Perfect Game in Baseball? (2024)

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In the storied annals of baseball—a sport rich with tradition and passion—the concept of a “perfect game” emerges as a pinnacle of pitching achievement. This term not only evokes admiration and awe among fans and players alike but also encapsulates a moment of near-mystical precision and skill on the mound. The quest for a perfect game is a testament to the sport’s competitive spirit and its relentless pursuit of excellence.

What is a Perfect Game in Baseball?

A perfect game in baseball is a rare and impressive achievement that every pitcher dreams of achieving. It occurs when a pitcher faces the minimum number of batters (27) throughout the entire game, retiring all opposing batters without any hits, walks, errors or hit by pitches. A perfect game is considered to be the pinnacle of pitching performance and is often seen as one of the most challenging feats to accomplish in baseball.

How is a Perfect Game Achieved?

In order for a pitcher to achieve a perfect game, they must have impeccable control and precision with their pitches. They must also rely on their defense to make crucial plays and prevent any potential hits or runs from occurring. In addition, a bit of luck is also required as even the best pitchers can have a perfectly placed pitch hit for a base hit.

Example of a Perfect Game

One of the most iconic perfect games in baseball history occurred on May 29, 2010, when Philadelphia Phillies’ pitcher Roy Halladay threw a perfect game against the Florida Marlins. Halladay’s mastery on the mound was evident as he retired all 27 batters he faced, striking out 11 and making no mistakes that would allow a Marlin to reach base. His remarkable achievement highlighted not only his exceptional skill and focus but also the importance of teamwork, as his defense made several key plays to preserve the perfect game. Halladay’s performance that day is often cited as one of the greatest pitching performances in the history of baseball, illustrating the rare combination of skill, precision, and teamwork required to achieve a perfect game.

When Was the Last Perfect Game?


The most recent perfect game in Major League Baseball history was pitched by Domingo Germán of the New York Yankees on June 28th, 2023. In a remarkable performance, he dominated the Oakland Athletics in an 11-0 victory, accomplishing this extraordinary achievement in just 99 pitches with nine strikeouts. A truly memorable moment in baseball history!

Has Anyone Had 2 Perfect Games?

In the storied annals of Major League Baseball, no pitcher has yet achieved the monumental feat of throwing two perfect games. The rarity of a perfect game — achieved only 24 times since 1900 — underscores the immense challenge and a touch of serendipity required to reach such a pinnacle of pitching performance not once, but twice. While many pitchers have come close, repeating a perfect game remains one of baseball’s most elusive achievements.

What Is the Longest Perfect Game?

The longest perfect game in Major League Baseball history extended beyond the traditional 9 innings. On May 26, 1959, Harvey Haddix of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitched a perfect game for 12 innings against the Milwaukee Braves at Milwaukee County Stadium. Sadly, his perfect game and no-hitter bid ended in the 13th inning when he lost the game. Despite not officially being recognized as a perfect game in the record books due to Major League Baseball’s definition, Haddix’s legendary performance remains one of the greatest pitching feats in baseball history.

Is It Possible to Lose a Perfect Game?

Technically, it’s possible, but very rare, for a team to lose a perfect game due to the unique ways runs can be scored without a batter safely reaching first base. For instance, a game wherein a player reaches base due to an error, stolen bases, or is advanced by sacrifices and eventually scores could result in a loss while maintaining a “perfect game” in terms of no hitters reaching base via hit, walk, or hit by pitch. However, as of now, no Major League Baseball game has concluded with a team achieving a perfect game in this manner and losing. The stringent criteria for a perfect game highlight the perfect synergy of skill, strategy, and a bit of fortune required to etch a pitcher’s name into baseball lore.

What Is More Rare Than a Perfect Game?

Despite a perfect game being one of the most elusive achievements in baseball, there are a few feats that are arguably even more rare. These include hitting for the cycle, where a batter records a single, double, triple, and home run in one game; throwing an immaculate inning, where a pitcher strikes out all three batters on nine pitches; and recording four strikeouts in one inning, known as an “Olympic” or “doubleheader” inning. All of these feats have only occurred a handful of times in Major League Baseball history, further emphasizing the extraordinary level of skill and precision required to achieve them.

Most Perfect Games by a Pitcher

In the modern era of baseball, 22 pitchers have achieved the remarkable feat of throwing a perfect game. This exceptional list includes notable names who have not only reached this rare milestone but have also had illustrious careers, underscored by their induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Notables among these are Cy Young, Addie Joss, Jim Bunning, Sandy Koufax, Catfish Hunter, Randy Johnson, and Roy Halladay, each bringing a unique blend of talent, resilience, and historical moments to the sport.

David Cone, another master on the mound, boasts a resume highlighted with a Cy Young Award, a game with 19 strikeouts, five World Series championships, and five All-Star selections. In a similar vein of achievement, Félix Hernández has adorned his career with a Cy Young Award and six All-Star appearances.

Additionally, pitchers like Dennis Martínez, Kenny Rogers, David Wells, and Mark Buehrle have each surpassed the 200-win mark in their Major League careers, showcasing the blend of skill and consistency required at the highest levels of the game. Matt Cain, celebrated for his postseason performances that contributed to the San Francisco Giants’ World Series victories, Mike Witt, and Tom Browning, whose highlights include a World Series win with the 1990 Cincinnati Reds, have also etched their names into this exclusive circle. Meanwhile, pitchers such as Don Larsen, Charlie Robertson, and Len Barker, despite being categorized as journeymen, managed to shine brightly with perfect games, demonstrating that on any given day, greatness is within reach.

What Team Has Most Perfect Games?

The prestigious title for the team with the most perfect games belongs to the New York Yankees, who have pitched an impressive total of four perfect games, and notably, have never had a perfect game pitched against them. Trailing closely are the Chicago White Sox with three perfect games pitched by their team members; however, unlike the Yankees, they have had one perfect game pitched against them. The Cleveland team, known historically as the Naps, Indians, and currently the Guardians, have also showcased elite pitching with two perfect games to their credit and none against. These statistics not only emphasize the rarity and difficulty of achieving a perfect game but also spotlight these franchises’ remarkable ability to foster such extraordinary pitching talent over the years.

FranchisePerfect games pitchedPerfect games pitched against
New York Yankees40
Chicago White Sox31
Cleveland Naps/Indians/Guardians20
Philadelphia/Kansas City/Oakland Athletics22
Philadelphia Phillies20
Arizona Diamondbacks10
Boston Americans/Red Sox10
Cincinnati Reds10
California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels11
Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers13
San Francisco Giants10
Seattle Mariners11
Texas Rangers11
Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals11
Detroit Tigers01
Atlanta Braves01
Baltimore Orioles00
Chicago Cubs01
Colorado Rockies00
Houston Astros01
Kansas City Royals00
Florida/Miami Marlins01
Milwaukee Brewers00
Minnesota Twins02
New York Mets01
Pittsburgh Pirates00
San Diego Padres00
St. Louis Cardinals00
Tampa Bay Rays03
Toronto Blue Jays01

How Many Perfect Games in History?

Pitching a perfect game in Major League Baseball remains a rare and significant achievement. Out of over 238,500 games in 154 years, only 24 official perfect games have been recorded. Each perfect game is unique to the pitcher, emphasizing its once-in-a-lifetime nature. Notable is Don Larsen’s perfect game in the 1956 World Series, the only one in postseason history. The frequency of perfect games has increased over time, with more occurring since 1981. This trend showcases both the individual pitchers’ excellence and the evolving nature of Major League Baseball.

Conclusion

The phenomenon of pitching a perfect game in Major League Baseball is a momentous achievement that underlines the pinnacle of pitching skill and precision. The New York Yankees’ record of four perfect games leads the chart, underscoring their significant contribution to this elite club. With only 24 official perfect games recorded in over a century of baseball history, each event is a testament to the rarity and difficulty of accomplishing such a feat. It also highlights the supreme level of concentration and teamwork required to achieve perfection on the mound. The increase in perfect games since 1981 reflects not only the evolving talents of pitchers but also the dynamic nature of the sport itself. Amidst the countless games played in the history of Major League Baseball, these perfect games stand out as sublime moments where everything aligns, capturing the hearts of fans and securing a special place in baseball lore.

What is a Perfect Game in Baseball? (2024)

FAQs

What is considered a perfect game in baseball? ›

A perfect game is a complete game pitched without a runner reaching base either by hit, base-on-balls, or error. It is one of the rarest feats in baseball and a subset of no-hitters. The first major league perfect game was thrown in 1880 by Lee Richmond.

How many outs are in a perfect game? ›

A perfect game in baseball is defined as a game lasting at least 9 innings where no opposing batter reaches base. This means no hits, no bases on balls, no runner reaching base via an error by a fielder and no batters hit by pitch. 27 batters up and 27 batters out with no one getting on base.

Who was the last MLB pitcher to pitch a perfect game? ›

When was the last MLB perfect game? The last MLB perfect game was June 28, 2023, by Domingo Germán (New York Yankees) against the Oakland Athletics.

What is considered a perfect inning in baseball? ›

An immaculate inning occurs in baseball when a pitcher strikes out all three batters he faces in one inning using the minimum possible number of pitches: nine.

Has anyone ever struck out all 27 batters? ›

You can't walk the world in the big leagues." On May 13, 1952 while pitching for the Class-D Bristol Twins, Ron Necciai tossed a no-hitter, striking out 27 in nine innings! After that summer, Necciai was drafted to fight in the Korean War, but was quickly discharged because of his ulcer problems.

Is a perfect game 9 innings? ›

In baseball, a perfect game is a game in which one or more pitchers complete a minimum of nine innings with no batter from the opposing team reaching base.

Who is considered the greatest pitcher of all time? ›

1. Walter Johnson
IPWK/BB
5,9144172.6

Has anyone had 2 perfect games? ›

Over the 154 years of Major League Baseball history, and over 238,500 games played, there have been 24 official perfect games by the current definition. No pitcher has thrown more than one.

How many strikes are in a perfect game in baseball? ›

Each batter will receive a max of six pitches or three swinging strikes. Pitches that are deemed unhittable by the umpire will not be counted. If a player fouls off the 6th pitch it will be recorded as an out. Team may score a maximum of seven (7) runs per inning, including the last inning or record three (3) outs.

Has Nolan Ryan thrown a perfect game? ›

Ryan also pitched 18 two-hitters. Despite this, he never pitched a perfect game, nor did he ever win a Cy Young Award; both were largely attributed to his high walk rate. Ryan is one of only 31 players in baseball history to have appeared in MLB games in four different decades.

Has a rookie pitcher ever thrown a perfect game? ›

Lee Richmond pitched the first perfect game in MLB history on 1880–06–12, as a 23-year old rookie.

What is more rare than a perfect game? ›

There have only been 15 unassisted triple plays in MLB history, making this feat rarer than a perfect game.

Has there ever been a 3 pitch inning? ›

Meaning when Pete Alonso grounded the first pitchy saw to third, the Phillies turned two to give their starter a three pitch inning. with the frame lasting less than a minute and a half. For context, this was the 200 and second three pitch inning and MLB history.

Has there ever been a two pitch inning? ›

"We had a two-pitch inning, so Hayden Deal set a record this year. I don't know if that'll ever be broken." As for Deal, the inning unfolded so fast that he didn't get a chance to catch his breath and come to the realization of what had occurred until he got back to the bench.

Can you walk a batter in a no-hitter? ›

Ken Johnson pitched a no-hitter in 1964 but was the losing pitcher of the game. Unlike a perfect game, in which no batters reach base, in regular no-hitters batters can reach base in other ways, such as a walk, an error, or a hit batsman, thus it is possible for the team pitching the no-hitter to lose.

Do they have mercy rule in MLB? ›

'Rockies rule': Baseball fans call for MLB mercy rule after record-breaking loss. DENVER (KDVR) – There isn't a mercy rule in baseball, but some fans think there should be after the Colorado Rockies lost 16-1 in the team's season opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

How many MLB perfect games have there been? ›

Over the 154 years of Major League Baseball history, and over 238,500 games played, there have been 24 official perfect games by the current definition. No pitcher has thrown more than one.

How rare is a perfect game in MLB? ›

In the 140+ year history of Major League Baseball, over 200,000+ games have been played, but only 24 perfect games have been pitched. The first perfect game was pitched on June 12th, 1880 by Lee Richmond at the Worcester Agricultural Fairgrounds in Worcester, Massachusetts.

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