Has Anyone Ever Lost a Perfect Game?
The quest for perfection in baseball is a elusive and rare feat. Pitchers who achieve a perfect game have to be almost flawless, retiring all 27 batters they face in nine innings without allowing a single base runner. But, as we explore in this article, it’s not impossible to lose a perfect game. Yes, you read that right – it is possible to lose a perfect game.
Direct Answer to the Question
The answer to the question is yes, someone has lost a perfect game. Harvey Haddix of the Pittsburgh Pirates threw a perfect game for 12 innings against the Milwaukee Braves on May 26, 1959, but lost the game in the 13th inning. This rare occurrence is often referred to as a "perfect game gone wrong".
The Game That Almost Was
Haddix’s perfect game was an incredible achievement, considering he faced 36 batters and threw 124 pitches without allowing a single hit, walk, or error. He was so dominant that the game went into extra innings, with the Pirates ultimately winning 1-0 in the 13th inning. However, the perfection was lost when Haddix was replaced by a relief pitcher in the 13th inning, and the Braves scored a run to tie the game. Although the Pirates went on to win in the 13th, Haddix’s perfect game was never completed.
Other Notable Instances
While Haddix’s game is the most well-known instance of a perfect game being lost, there have been other instances where pitchers have come close to achieving perfection but ultimately fell short.
- Robby Hammock, the catcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, was the target of a perfect game by Harvey Haddix in 1959. However, Hammock’s team won the game 1-0 in the 13th inning, making the perfect game a rare and fleeting moment.
- Pedro Martínez threw a perfect game for 9 innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1995, but his teammates failed to score in the bottom of the 9th, resulting in a 0-0 tie. The game was eventually won by the Expos in the 10th inning.
- Wes Ferrell, a pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, threw a no-hitter and hit a home run in the same game in 1931. Although not a perfect game, this achievement is still a remarkable feat.
What Does It Take to Lose a Perfect Game?
While losing a perfect game is rare, it’s not impossible. Here are some factors that can contribute to a perfect game being lost:
• Relief pitcher failure: If a relief pitcher replaces the starter and allows a base runner or a hit, the perfect game is lost.
• Team failure to score: If the team fails to score in a crucial situation, such as the bottom of the 9th inning, the perfect game may be lost.
• Infielder error: An error by an infielder can allow a base runner to reach safely, breaking the perfect game.
• Umpire error: An incorrect call by the umpire can also result in a base runner reaching safely, ending the perfect game.
Conclusion
Losing a perfect game is a rare and unexpected outcome, but it’s not impossible. As we’ve seen in this article, there have been instances where pitchers have come close to achieving perfection but ultimately fell short. While it’s a rare feat, losing a perfect game can still be an incredible achievement, showcasing a pitcher’s incredible skills and determination.