Lou Criger, Cy Young’s favorite catcher who caught two of his no-hitters, was born 144 years ago today. Criger caught Young’s 1897 no-no for the Cleveland Spiders during the opening game of a September 18 doubleheader at Cleveland’s League Park. The Spiders topped the Cincinnati Reds 6-0. Criger was also behind the plate for Young’s…
Happy 48th birthday to Scott Erickson, who threw a no-hitter for the Minnesota Twins in 1994. Erickson had been struggling when he took the ball on Wednesday, April 27, 1994, entering the game with a 7.48 ERA. But he treated the 18,000 fans at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome by no-hitting Milwaukee Brewers for a…
Wes Ferrell, who tossed a Cleveland Indians no-hitter in 1931 while driving in four runs, was born 108 years ago today. On Wednesday, April 29, 1931, Ferrell held the St. Louis Browns hitless at Cleveland’s League Park for a 9-0 win. He was just as impressive at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a two-RBI home…
Happy 48th birthday to the Atlanta Braves’ Kent Mercker, who threw a 1994 no-hitter three years after tossing 6 innings of a combined no-no. Mercker threw his solo no-no during his first start of the 1994 season. On Friday, April 8, 1994, at Dodger Stadium, Mercker walked four Los Angeles Dodgers, struck out 10 and…
Wishing a very happy birthday to Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan, who turns 69 today. Ryan holds the major league record for no-hitters with seven. He tied Sandy Koufax’s mark of four no-hitters in 1975 and broke the record in 1981. Here are Ryan’s no-nos: 1 Nolan Ryan California Angels (AL) Tuesday,…
Harvey Haddix, who threw 12 perfect innings for Pittsburgh in 1959 only to lose in the 13th, was traded to the Pirates 57 years ago today. On January 30, 1959, the Cincinnati Reds sent Haddix, catcher Smoky Burgess and third baseman Don Hoak to the Pirates for third baseman Frank Thomas, right-handed pitcher Whammy Douglas,…