How many perfect games have been pitched in MLB?
In Major League Baseball (MLB), the perfect game is one of the most extraordinary achievements in the sport. It is defined as a game in which a pitcher retires all 27 batters they face without allowing any to reach base. This is an incredibly rare feat, and throughout the history of MLB, only a select few pitchers have been able to accomplish it. But just how many perfect games have been pitched in MLB?
Since the inception of MLB in 1876, only 23 perfect games have been pitched. The first perfect game in MLB history was thrown by Cy Young in 1904, and since then, it has become a rare occurrence. The most recent perfect game was thrown by Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners against the Tampa Bay Rays in 2012.
The rarity of the perfect game is due in part to the evolution of pitching techniques and the increase in offensive prowess over the years. Pitchers today have more advanced training and equipment, which has made it more difficult to throw a perfect game. Additionally, hitters have become more skilled and better equipped to hit the ball out of the park, further reducing the likelihood of a perfect game.
Despite the challenges, the perfect game remains a cherished achievement in baseball. It is a testament to a pitcher’s skill, determination, and the sheer luck that can be involved in such a rare occurrence. Here is a list of all the pitchers who have thrown a perfect game in MLB history:
1. Cy Young (1904)
2. Charlie Robertson (1922)
3. Don Larsen (1956)
4. Sandy Koufax (1965)
5. Jim Bunning (1964)
6. Tom Seaver (1969)
7. David Cone (1999)
8. Mark Buehrle (2007)
9. Dallas Braden (2010)
10. Roy Halladay (2010)
11. Felix Hernandez (2012)
12. Yu Darvish (2012)
13. no-hitters (not perfect games) by Don Drysdale (1964), Nolan Ryan (1974), Sandy Koufax (1965), and Bob Feller (1938)
As the game continues to evolve, the perfect game remains a symbol of excellence and a rare occurrence that will always be cherished by baseball fans and players alike.
