Since 1880, only 23 pitchers have thrown a perfect game in Major League Baseball, with Don Larsen in 1956 being the first and only one in a World Series. A perfect game is baseball’s rarest feat: 27 consecutive outs without allowing a baserunner.
What Is a Perfect Game?
A perfect game occurs when a pitcher retires all batters faced without allowing hits, walks, fielding errors that reach base, or hit batsmen. It’s exactly 27 outs in 9 innings (or more in extra-inning games). Absolute perfection on the mound.
The 23 Perfect Games in MLB History
The first was Lee Richmond on June 12, 1880, followed by John Montgomery Ward on June 17, 1880—both in the same season. In the 20th century, Don Larsen threw the only perfect game in World Series history (October 5, 1956, Yankees vs. Dodgers). The most recent include Domingo Germán on June 28, 2023 with the Yankees, who retired 24 consecutive batters before allowing a hit.
| Pitcher | Date | Team | Opponent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lee Richmond | Jun 12, 1880 | Worcester | Troy | First perfect game ever |
| John Montgomery Ward | Jun 17, 1880 | Providence | Buffalo | Second in history |
| Cy Young | May 5, 1904 | Boston Americans | Philadelphia | Only in early modern era |
| Don Larsen | Oct 5, 1956 | NY Yankees | Brooklyn Dodgers | Only World Series perfect game |
| Catfish Hunter | May 8, 1968 | Oakland Athletics | Minnesota Twins | 97 pitches |
| Sandy Koufax | Sep 9, 1965 | LA Dodgers | Chicago Cubs | 15 strikeouts, night game |
| Domingo Germán | Jun 28, 2023 | NY Yankees | Oakland Athletics | Most recent in history |
The Closest Calls
Some pitchers came within one out of perfection. Armando Galarraga in 2010 retired 28 consecutive batters, but a controversial umpire call ruled a baserunner safe on the 27th out, breaking the perfect game. The game ended 3-0 but doesn’t officially count as perfect.
Why Are They So Rare?
In 144+ years of Major League Baseball, with thousands of games pitched, only 23 perfect games underscores the extreme difficulty. It requires absolute control, flawless defense, and luck. One fielding error, a wild pitch, or a well-placed hit breaks the dream. Sandy Koufax with 15 strikeouts in 1965 shows how pure dominance can achieve it.
FAQ
How many perfect games have there been in MLB?
Exactly 23 since 1880 through 2023. The most recent was Domingo Germán with the Yankees.
Who threw the only perfect game in a World Series?
Don Larsen on October 5, 1956, when the Yankees defeated the Dodgers. It remains the only one in postseason play.
Is a perfect game better than a no-hitter?
Yes. A no-hitter allows walks and errors; a perfect game allows nothing. It’s the ultimate expression of pitching dominance.
