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Think you know enough to name all the MLB Perfect Games pitchers? Here’s a list of them.
1. Domingo Germán – New York Yankees vs. Oakland Athletics (June 28, 2023)
On June 28, 2023, Domingo Germán achieved perfection on the mound as he pitched the 24th perfect game in MLB history. Playing for the New York Yankees, Germán faced the Oakland Athletics and retired all 27 batters in order. His flawless performance not only marked an incredible personal achievement but also contributed to the Yankees’ victory in a season where pitching dominance was much needed. Germán’s perfect game solidified his place in Yankees history, joining a prestigious group of pitchers who have accomplished the rare feat.
2. Felix Hernández – Seattle Mariners vs. Tampa Bay Rays (August 15, 2012)
On August 15, 2012, Felix Hernández of the Seattle Mariners threw a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays, stunning fans and cementing his legacy as one of the game’s top pitchers. Hernández struck out 12 batters and displayed impeccable control throughout the game. His dominance on the mound was evident as he retired all 27 batters he faced. The game was a crowning achievement in an already illustrious career, and it came in a season when the Mariners’ pitching staff was one of the most formidable in baseball.
3. Matt Cain – San Francisco Giants vs. Houston Astros (June 13, 2012)
On June 13, 2012, Matt Cain of the San Francisco Giants joined the ranks of perfect game pitchers by retiring all 27 batters he faced in a game against the Houston Astros. Cain’s fastball and curveball were on point as he struck out 14 batters in one of the most dominant pitching performances in Giants history. Cain’s perfect game was the first in San Francisco Giants history, and it helped solidify his place as one of the franchise’s most reliable pitchers of the modern era.
4. Philip Humber – Chicago White Sox vs. Seattle Mariners (April 21, 2012)
Philip Humber threw a perfect game on April 21, 2012, while playing for the Chicago White Sox against the Seattle Mariners. Humber’s performance was nothing short of spectacular as he retired all 27 batters, with 9 strikeouts and no hits or walks. Despite a career that did not feature many other highlights, this game remains the peak of Humber’s career. His perfect game is an unforgettable moment in White Sox history and a rare achievement that will be forever linked to his name.
5. Roy Halladay – Philadelphia Phillies vs. Florida Marlins (May 29, 2010)
On May 29, 2010, Roy Halladay of the Philadelphia Phillies achieved a perfect game against the Florida Marlins. Halladay, known for his pinpoint control and devastating stuff, struck out 11 batters and retired all 27 he faced. His performance came during a season in which he would go on to win the Cy Young Award, and the perfect game added to his already impressive legacy. Halladay’s flawless outing was a testament to his skill, focus, and determination, making it one of the most memorable perfect games in recent history.
6. Dallas Braden – Oakland Athletics vs. Tampa Bay Rays (May 9, 2010)
Dallas Braden made history on May 9, 2010, by throwing a perfect game for the Oakland Athletics against the Tampa Bay Rays. Braden’s perfect game was notable not only because of its rarity but also because it came in an emotional season for the Athletics. Braden’s performance was marked by his consistent pitching and ability to stay calm under pressure. The perfect game was a highlight of Braden’s career, and it remains a landmark moment in Athletics history, as well as one of the standout performances of the 2010 season.
7. Mark Buehrle – Chicago White Sox vs. Tampa Bay Devil Rays (July 23, 2009)
On July 23, 2009, Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox threw a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Buehrle’s game was a masterclass in efficiency, as he faced only 27 batters and threw just 116 pitches, becoming one of the most efficient perfect game pitchers in history. Known for his control and quick pace, Buehrle’s perfect game was a perfect example of his pitching philosophy. This remarkable achievement would go on to be one of the defining moments of Buehrle’s career and a major highlight of the White Sox’s 2009 season.
8. Randy Johnson – Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Atlanta Braves (May 18, 2004)
Randy Johnson, one of the most dominant pitchers of his era, threw a perfect game on May 18, 2004, for the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Atlanta Braves. Johnson’s fastball and slider were nearly unhittable as he retired all 27 Braves batters in a flawless performance. With 13 strikeouts, Johnson’s perfect game was a testament to his overpowering stuff and his ability to dominate even the toughest lineups. The game is considered one of the finest performances of Johnson’s illustrious career and is one of the most memorable perfect games in MLB history.
9. David Cone – New York Yankees vs. Montreal Expos (July 18, 1999)
On July 18, 1999, David Cone of the New York Yankees threw a perfect game against the Montreal Expos. Cone’s performance was a masterful display of pitching, as he retired all 27 batters he faced and struck out 10. This game was especially significant as it was the first perfect game thrown by a Yankee pitcher since Don Larsen’s historic World Series game in 1956. Cone’s perfect game would go on to become one of the defining moments of his career and was a key part of the Yankees’ dominance in the late 1990s.
10. David Wells – New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins (May 17, 1998)
David Wells of the New York Yankees pitched a perfect game on May 17, 1998, against the Minnesota Twins. Known for his fiery personality and relaxed pitching style, Wells achieved one of the rarest feats in baseball by retiring all 27 batters he faced. This remarkable achievement came during one of the most successful seasons in Yankees history, as Wells was a key member of a rotation that helped the team win the World Series that year. His perfect game was a highlight of his career and remains one of the most celebrated moments in Yankees history.
11. Kenny Rogers – Texas Rangers vs. California Angels (July 28, 1994)
On July 28, 1994, Kenny Rogers of the Texas Rangers threw a perfect game against the California Angels. Rogers was known for his control and ability to keep batters off balance, and on this day, he retired all 27 batters he faced. His perfect game was an exceptional achievement, especially considering the offensive prowess of the Angels lineup. Rogers’ performance was a defining moment in his career, and it remains one of the most memorable moments in Texas Rangers history.
12. Dennis Martínez – Montreal Expos vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (July 28, 1991)
On July 28, 1991, Dennis Martínez of the Montreal Expos threw a perfect game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Martínez, known for his calm demeanor and pinpoint control, retired all 27 batters he faced, securing the first and only perfect game in Expos history. The performance was made even more impressive by the presence of future Hall of Famer, Roberto Alomar, in the lineup. Martínez’s perfect game came during a time when the Expos were in the midst of a playoff push, making the achievement even more significant for the team and its fans.
13. Tom Browning – Cincinnati Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (September 16, 1988)
Tom Browning’s perfect game on September 16, 1988, remains one of the most memorable moments in Cincinnati Reds history. Facing the Los Angeles Dodgers, Browning retired all 27 batters he faced, striking out 7. The game came in a season where the Reds were competing in a tough division, and Browning’s performance served as a major highlight in the Reds’ campaign. Browning’s calm control and ability to keep hitters off balance were key to his success, and his perfect game remains a standout achievement in the Reds’ legacy.
14. Mike Witt – California Angels vs. Texas Rangers (September 30, 1984)
On September 30, 1984, Mike Witt of the California Angels threw a perfect game against the Texas Rangers. Witt’s dominant performance included 10 strikeouts and flawless pitching that kept the Rangers from even threatening to break up his perfect game. Witt was known for his ability to control the game with his fastball and curveball, and this outing was a crowning achievement of his career. The game was the highlight of the Angels’ season and a monumental moment in Witt’s personal baseball history.
15. Len Barker – Cleveland Indians vs. Toronto Blue Jays (May 15, 1981)
On May 15, 1981, Len Barker of the Cleveland Indians achieved a perfect game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Barker’s dominant pitching performance included 11 strikeouts and was marked by his ability to work quickly through the lineup. His perfect game would be the high point of his career, as he would not achieve another similar feat. However, this historic performance secured his place in MLB lore, and it remains one of the most memorable pitching performances in Indians’ history.
16. Catfish Hunter – Oakland Athletics vs. Minnesota Twins (May 8, 1968)
Catfish Hunter of the Oakland Athletics threw a perfect game on May 8, 1968, against the Minnesota Twins. Hunter, known for his consistency and toughness on the mound, retired all 27 batters he faced, in one of the defining moments of his career. His perfect game helped elevate the A’s to the top of the American League and solidified Hunter’s place as one of the game’s premier pitchers during the 1960s. Hunter’s performance remains one of the most celebrated in A’s history, and the game is often remembered for its near-flawless execution.
17. Sandy Koufax – Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs (September 9, 1965)
Sandy Koufax, one of the most legendary pitchers in MLB history, threw a perfect game on September 9, 1965, against the Chicago Cubs. Koufax’s mastery on the mound was on full display as he struck out 14 batters and dominated the Cubs’ lineup with his devastating fastball and curveball. This perfect game was a highlight in a season when Koufax would go on to win his second consecutive Cy Young Award. His flawless performance remains one of the most iconic moments in baseball history, exemplifying his dominance during the 1960s.
18. Jim Bunning – Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets (June 21, 1964)
On June 21, 1964, Jim Bunning of the Philadelphia Phillies threw a perfect game against the New York Mets, striking out 10 batters in the process. Bunning’s performance was a showcase of precision, control, and determination as he retired all 27 batters he faced. The perfect game was an important moment for Bunning, who was one of the top pitchers of the 1960s. It would be the crowning achievement in an impressive career, and the game remains a defining moment in Phillies history.
19. Don Larsen – New York Yankees vs. Brooklyn Dodgers (October 8, 1956) – World Series
Don Larsen made history on October 8, 1956, by throwing a perfect game in Game 5 of the World Series, leading the New York Yankees to a 2-0 victory over the Brooklyn Dodgers. It remains the only perfect game ever thrown in a World Series, and Larsen’s performance in this high-pressure setting cemented his legacy. The game is one of the most iconic moments in postseason history, and Larsen’s achievement is celebrated as a peak in the history of MLB pitching.
20. Charlie Robertson – Chicago White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers (April 30, 1922)
On April 30, 1922, Charlie Robertson of the Chicago White Sox threw a perfect game against the Detroit Tigers. Robertson’s career did not include many other notable moments, but his perfect game stands as his defining achievement. He was able to retire all 27 batters in order, achieving a remarkable feat despite facing some tough hitters in the Tigers’ lineup. His perfect game remains a rare moment in White Sox history and an iconic part of Robertson’s brief but memorable career.
21. Addie Joss – Cleveland Indians vs. Chicago White Sox (October 2, 1908)
On October 2, 1908, Addie Joss of the Cleveland Indians threw a perfect game against the Chicago White Sox. Joss, known for his exceptional control and ability to dominate hitters, retired all 27 batters he faced in a game that was significant not only for its rarity but also because it occurred in a season that was full of drama in the American League. Joss’ perfect game remains one of the most revered performances in early 20th-century baseball.
22. Cy Young – Boston Pilgrims vs. Philadelphia Athletics (May 5, 1904)
Cy Young, the namesake of the annual Cy Young Award, threw a perfect game on May 5, 1904, while playing for the Boston Pilgrims (later known as the Red Sox) against the Philadelphia Athletics. Young, one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, faced 27 batters and retired them all in a performance that showcased his incredible command and skill. The game is considered a milestone in his Hall of Fame career and helped establish him as one of the game’s legends.
23. Monte Ward – Providence Grays vs. Buffalo Bisons (June 17, 1880)
Monte Ward threw a perfect game for the Providence Grays on June 17, 1880, just five days after Lee Richmond’s perfect game. Ward, a talented pitcher and a key figure in early baseball, retired all 27 batters he faced in the game. While this perfect game is not as well-known as others in the modern era, it remains a significant achievement in the early history of Major League Baseball.
24. Lee Richmond – Worcester Ruby Legs vs. Cleveland Blues (June 12, 1880)
Lee Richmond is credited with throwing the first perfect game in Major League Baseball on June 12, 1880, while playing for the Worcester Ruby Legs against the Cleveland Blues. At the time, baseball was still developing, and the feat was not widely celebrated. However, Richmond’s perfect game remains a groundbreaking moment in the history of the sport, as it set the stage for future pitchers to achieve this rare and remarkable accomplishment.
