The Chicago White Stockings’ Larry Corcoran threw the first of his three no-hitters on this date 140 years ago.
On Thursday, August 19, 1880, at Chicago’s Lake Front Park, Corcoran no-hit the Boston Red Caps for a 6-0 win, missing perfection thanks to four errors my his teammates. The ball wasn’t in the best condition for this contest.
“It is true that the ball was mushy and shapeless for the greater part of the play,” noted the Chicago Tribune, “but that did not prevent the White Stockings from making 11 hits and 13 totals off (Tommy) Bond and (Curry) Foley.”
Corcoran added no-nos at Lake Front in 1882 against the Worcester Ruby Legs and in 1884 against the Providence Grays to become the first pitcher to toss three career no-hitters. Joining Corcoran in the three no-hitters club are Cy Young, Bob Feller, Sandy Koufax, Nolan Ryan and Justin Verlander. Koufax added a fourth, and Ryan went on to throw seven no-hitters.
