A perfect game in baseball is truly magical! Have you ever seen one? A Perfect game in baseball – it doesn’t happen very often, but when it does it is something special to see. Picture this…you head to a major league ball game and it has been 33 years since the last perfect game and on that night you get to witness the first perfect game in 33 years.
In Major League Baseball there have been gaps of 22 and 33 years between perfect games and only one post season perfect game which was actually the 5th game of the 1956 World Series by Don Larsen.
Being present at a perfect game by a pitcher would be the ultimate baseball ballpark experience. You could truly say you saw something special!
So what is a perfect game in baseball?
A perfect game in baseball is when a pitcher or pitchers pitch the entire game, record all the outs, without allowing a base runner. As a result, they face the minimum number of batters. In a 9 inning game, this would be 27 batters. There are no hits, walks, hit batter or errors by the winning team.
A perfect game takes place very infrequently with gaps of 22 and 33 seasons at different points between perfect games and only one in post season history, which happened to take place during a World Series game. Could you imagine a perfect game during a World Series game? If you can’t, you aren’t alone…it hasn’t take place since 1956.
Below we will break down the perfect game info you are seeking into the following topics:
- Difference between a no hitter and perfect game
- How many total perfect games have there been
- Interesting facts about perfect games
- Why is a perfect game so difficult
- What is the perfect game for a hitter
- Superstitions around a perfect game
- Tips to improve your pitching
Difference between a no hitter and a perfect game
In both a no hitter and a perfect game the losing team does not get a hit. However, the major difference is that in a no hitter there is at least one base runner via walk, hit by pitch, or error.
The perfect game situation takes solid defense for 27 outs and for the pitcher to have complete command. The no hitter in baseball is much more common with 302 no hitters during the history of MLB compared to only 23.
While all perfect games are also no hitters, a no hitter is not a perfect game. There have been no hitters with multiple base runners typically through multiple walks by the pitcher. I actually attended a game as a kid where the Cleveland Indians were no hit by the Boston Red Sox, but the Indians still won the game as a base runner got on via a walk and then an error was made allowing a run to score. Rather unique, but I did witness it.
Interesting facts about perfect games
- 23 total perfect games have been thrown. All 23 have been thrown by a single pitcher, although it is possible for multiple pitchers to combine on a perfect game.
- There were gaps of 22 and 33 years at different times between perfect games. The last perfect game was thrown in 2012, the previous one before that took place in 2010.
- The first perfect game took place in 1908.
- Don Larsen threw the only perfect game in postseason history. It took place in game 5 of the World Series as the New York Yankees defeated the Brooklyn Dodgers.
- Ron Hassey is the only catcher in history to be the catcher in two different perfect games.
- Clayton Kershaw once threw a perfect game in high school where he struck out every batter that he faced. The game was a run rule game that ended after 5 innings.
- The Little League World Series has one had one perfect game.
- The age range of the pitchers is between age 20 (youngest) and age 40 (oldest)
- Of the 23 pitchers to throw a perfect game, 7 of them have thrown at least one other no hitter. 6 of the 23 pitchers to throw a perfect game are in the baseball hall of fame.
- 14 of the 23 perfect games have been thrown in the past three decades.
Why is a perfect game so difficult
There are several things that have to line for a pitcher to throw a no hitter. The number one variable is that the pitcher must have complete control and be on that day. In order to obtain 27 outs without a hit takes multiple pitches and complete command of the fastball.
They cannot walk or hit a batter with a pitch. This alone is difficult enough to do over the course of 27 outs. When you add in that even a blooper or slow roller can happen and allow the runner to get on base. The defense must be completely on and not make any errors. If the pitcher is not striking a lot of the batters out there are up to 27 plays the defense must make without an error.
The pressure starts to mount late in a game not only on the pitcher, but also on the defense. Nobody wants to be the defender that ruins a perfect game. As the game gets into the 8th and the 9th inning the amount of tension is incredible. Everybody in the ballpark understands what is taking place and most will not talk about it due to the superstitions in baseball.
The pitcher must remain strong late in the game and hope that he doesn’t give up an weak hits. On top of that, there are going to be at least several batters in the game that hit a hard hit ball. There has to be some luck that these balls are hit in the direction of a defensive player and he is able to make the play.
| Factors That Must Be Perfect | Level of Difficulty (1-5) 5 Being Difficult |
| Pitchers Command and Dominating Stuff | 5 |
| Not Walking or Hitting any Batters | 4 |
| Defense Making up to 27 plays w/out Error | 4 |
| Dealing with the pressure | 5 |
What is the perfect game for a hitter
While there is no official name for a perfect game for a hitter, the closest accomplishment we would propose is the 4 home run game. This has occurred 15 times throughout baseball history.
Of the 15 players to have accomplished this 5 are in the baseball hall of game and 3 never even played in an all star game. This is similar in numbers to the perfect game for a pitcher and the breakdown of who has accomplished these amazing feats.
The next closest accomplishment to this for a hitter is to hit multiple grand slams or a grand slam and a 3 run home run. This takes place more frequently than the 4 home run game.
Superstitions around pitching a perfect game or no hitter
The superstitions in baseball can be quite interesting and eye opening. One that comes to mind with the perfect game for a pitcher or even a no hitter is that you aren’t supposed to talk about it.
Once you talk about it, a hit will shortly happen. This superstition is often followed by the players in the dugout as well as the coaches. Some announcers are even hesitant to talk about it in fear of jinxing the pitcher.
Also, make sure nobody messes with the pitchers routine and takes his seat or does anything to upset the mojo taking place.
Tips to improve your pitching
Whether you are a player, coach or parent, we want to provide three tips to help grow the game. Here at sportswarrior365, we love all sports and especially baseball. It has meant a lot to us as players, coaches and parents.
There is something special about a warm summer day at the ball field and playing. It is a sign of summer and everything special about summer, especially for those that live in cold winter climates.
There is something extra special about that first warm spring day and being at the ballpark. Below are three pitching tips to help players improve.
Tip #1 – Command Your Fast Ball
You must be able to hit the four key corners of the plate. These include: inside low, inside high, outside low and outside hight. These four corners help prevent the hitter from making clean contact.
The goal is to get the batter to either swing and miss or hit something weak that a defender can easily handle. The command of the fast ball allows the pitcher to limit the number of walks and set up the off speed pitchers.
Lack of a command of the fast ball and struggling to get it over the plate will allow the opposing team to lay off the fastball and sit on the off speed pitches. Here is an excellent video that can help you develop command of your fastball.
Tip #2 – Develop a quality off speed pitch
Once a player reaches a certain age and the arm is more developed, building a breaking pitch or change up into the repertoire is important. As players get older, the hitters are also advancing and are getting better at sitting on the fastball.
The key here is to use the pitch as a change of pace and to keep batters off balance. A pitcher must be able to throw the off speed pitches for strikes or the hitters will just not swing at any off speed pitches and wait for the fastball to be thrown.
The best pitchers have 3 go to pitches, typically a fastball, a breaking ball and a change up. These three options provide various ways to get a batter out. It all starts with the proper mechanics and making sure you are throwing your pitchers in a manner that is not putting undue stress on your pitching arm. Here is a video to help develop off speed pitches.
Take Action…
Baseball is a game that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. We hope that you treat the game well and play it the right way. Nothing great has ever been accomplished without some hard work. Are you willing to put in the extra time and reps to develop the skills needed to play baseball at a high level?
We hope that you use some of our information provided above, get to work and then see the results. Keep in mind that progress isn’t always perfect. There might be times of ups and downs, but how you respond to those times will define what type of player you are.
If you are a parent of a player, keep in mind that it is about the overall development of your son or daughter as a person and player. Do not put the development of the player over the person and stay in communication about what makes your child happy. Too many kids are pushed in directions they do not want to go because of overzealous parents. Stay calm and supportive.
Treat the game right and you will benefit from the game. Always look to get better and do it in the right way. Check out our many other articles on baseball as the majority have tips for improvement and can help you get better!