Last Updated: May 8th, 2024 by Michael Schatz
Juan Marichal is one of the best pitchers ever to grace a baseball field. Known as the ‘Dominican Dandy’, Marichal’s iconic high-kick delivery and pinpoint accuracy frustrated hitters for decades.
Join us as we relive some of the electrifying moments that defined Marichal’s legendary career.
Making a Splash
There are Major League debuts and then there’s Juan Marichal’s debut. On July 19, 1960, at the age of 22, Marichal faced the Philadelphia Phillies and threw a one-hit complete game shutout. He struck out 12 and walked only one.
That would be impressive for any rookie, but what Marichal did after that is what sets him apart. His next start came on July 23 against the Pirates. He threw a 4-hit complete game, giving up 1 and striking out 6 in a 3-1 Giants win.
But Marichal wasn’t finished. The third start of his career was on July 28 against the Braves. All he did that night was throw a 10-inning complete game, giving up 2 runs and striking out 6 in a 3-2 Giants win.
He finished his rookie year 6-2 with a 2.66 ERA and 6 complete games. And just like that, a star was born.
Dominating the Decade: Most Wins in the 1960s
Juan Marichal wasn’t just a fantastic pitcher; he was the winningest pitcher of the 1960s, a decade featuring names like Koufax, Gibson, Drysdale, Palmer, Perry, and more.
Marichal stood above them all, racking up 191 wins during the decade.
No-Hit Magic
On June 15, 1963, Marichal etched his name into the record books with a no-hitter against the Houston Colt .45s. He struck out 5 and walked 2 in a 10-3 Giants win.
This masterpiece set him apart as the first Dominican pitcher to achieve a no-hitter in MLB history.
Epic 16-Inning Showdown With Warren Spahn
In one of baseball history’s most unforgettable matchups, Juan Marichal faced off against Warren Spahn on July 2, 1963, in a duel that lasted 16 innings. Both pitchers threw complete games, with Marichal throwing 227 pitches.
After the marathon game finally ended, Marichal’s Giants eked out a 1-0 win on a Willie Mays home run.
Ten-Time All-Star and MVP of the 1965 Game
Juan Marichal shone brightly during All-Star games, making the roster ten times. The spotlight moment was in the 1965 All-Star Game where Marichal earned the MVP award, throwing scoreless innings and facing the minimum. He also singled and scored a run.
In 18 All-Star innings, Marichal allowed 7 hits, 2 walks and struck out 12, finishing with a 0.50 ERA.
San Francisco Giants’ Record Holder
Following his impressive early achievements, Juan Marichal continued to set records with the San Francisco Giants. He became the team’s all-time leader in both wins and innings pitched, a testament to his skill and durability.
Breaking Barriers: First Dominican and Latin American Hall of Fame Inductee
Juan Marichal made history beyond the pitcher’s mound when he entered the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983. Not only was he the first Dominican player to achieve this honor, but he also became a trailblazer for Latin American athletes in baseball’s most prestigious circle.
He finished his storied career with 243 wins, a 2.89 ERA, 10 All-Star selections and 2,303 strikeouts.
Statue and Number Retirement
The Giants knew how to honor their legends, and Juan Marichal’s legacy found its everlasting tribute in multiple ways. In 2005, the team unveiled a statue at their ballpark, capturing Marichal’s iconic high-kick pitching stance, a pose familiar to fans and a symbol of his dominance on the mound.
The Giants also retired his number 27, a gesture that cements Marichal’s status as one of the game’s greats in the hearts of Giants fans forever.