Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Jeffrey Christo
Baseball’s rarest gems – perfect games and no-hitters – have given us some of sport’s most magical moments. From World Series miracles to hungover heroics, these pristine performances have left an indelible mark on America’s pastime. Here are the most unforgettable hitless masterpieces that had fans glued to their radios and television sets across generations.
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Don Larsen’s World Series Miracle (1956)
Game 5 of the 1956 World Series produced baseball’s most improbable perfect game. Don Larsen, a journeyman pitcher with a losing career record, retired all 27 Brooklyn Dodgers he faced. The lasting image of catcher Yogi Berra leaping into Larsen’s arms remains one of baseball’s most iconic moments.
Sandy Koufax’s Final Masterpiece Under the Lights (1965)
On a crisp September night, Koufax achieved perfection against the Cubs with his devastating curveball. The left-hander struck out 14 batters while battling chronic arthritis, making this gem even more remarkable. Vin Scully’s radio call of the ninth inning would become baseball poetry.
Dock Ellis and the LSD No-Hitter (1970)
In one of baseball’s most surreal achievements, Pirates pitcher Dock Ellis claimed he threw his no-hitter while under the influence of LSD. The wild tale perfectly captured the spirit of the 1970s, with Ellis walking eight batters but somehow keeping the Padres hitless in a 2-0 victory that defied explanation.
Nolan Ryan at 44: The Final No-No (1991)
The ageless wonder saved his best for last. At 44, Ryan dominated the Blue Jays for his seventh no-hitter, extending his own record. The Texas heat was no match for the Ryan Express, who struck out 16 batters and showed why he was truly one of a kind.
Dave Stewart and Fernando Valenzuela: A Tale of Two Cities (1990)
June 29, 1990, saw two no-hitters on the same day from two different cities. Dave Stewart of the Oakland Athletics and Fernando Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Dodgers each delivered a no-hitter, marking a rare and thrilling day in baseball history with a California twist.
Jim Abbott: One Hand, No Hits, All Heart (1993)
Born without a right hand, Jim Abbott defied all odds to throw a no-hitter for the New York Yankees against the Cleveland Indians. His inspiring performance on September 4, 1993, remains a testament to perseverance and skill, capturing the hearts of fans everywhere.
David Wells’ Hangover Perfect Game (1998)
Legend has it that David Wells, known for his larger-than-life persona, pitched a perfect game while nursing a hangover. On May 17, 1998, Wells’ flawless outing stood as a testament to his raw talent and unorthodox methods, endearing him further to the Yankees faithful.
Randy Johnson: The Big Unit’s Perfection at 40 (2004)
At 40 years old, Randy Johnson became the oldest pitcher to throw a perfect game. On May 18, 2004, the towering left-hander dominated the Atlanta Braves with his trademark fastball and slider, adding another historic chapter to his Hall of Fame career.
Roy Halladay’s Regular Season Perfect Game (2010)
In May 2010, Roy Halladay delivered a perfect game against the Florida Marlins. Known for his work ethic and precision, Halladay’s performance solidified his status as one of the game’s elite pitchers, as he baffled batters with his pinpoint control and relentless demeanor.
Roy Halladay’s Playoff No-No: October Magic (2010)
Later in 2010, Halladay threw only the second no-hitter in postseason history, blanking the Cincinnati Reds in Game 1 of the NLDS. His legendary playoff performance cemented his legacy as one of baseball’s greats, bringing postseason magic to Philadelphia. Doc was clearly dominant that year.
Felix Hernandez: The King’s Perfect Jewel (2012)
Felix Hernandez, known as King Felix, delivered the Seattle Mariners’ first perfect game on August 15, 2012. His masterful performance against the Tampa Bay Rays featured 12 strikeouts and showcased his regal talent, earning him a place in the annals of baseball history.
Matt Cain’s Perfect Night in San Francisco (2012)
On June 13, 2012, Matt Cain achieved perfection against the Houston Astros, striking out 14. His flawless game was punctuated by several dazzling defensive plays, and it remains a highlight in the storied history of the San Francisco Giants.
Johan Santana: The First in Mets History (2012)
On June 1, 2012, Johan Santana delivered the first no-hitter in New York Mets history, ending a 50-year drought. His 134-pitch effort against the St. Louis Cardinals was a testament to his resilience, earning him a permanent place in Mets lore.
Max Scherzer’s No-No While His Brother Watched (2015)
In 2015, Max Scherzer threw two no-hitters. His first, against the Pittsburgh Pirates, was particularly poignant. Pitching with the memory of his late brother Alex as a constant inspiration, and with family in attendance, the performance carried deep emotional weight. Scherzer’s no-hitter was a testament to his dominating presence on the mound.
David Cone’s Yogi Day Perfection (1999)
On Yogi Berra Day at Yankee Stadium, with Don Larsen throwing out the first pitch to his former catcher, David Cone painted his masterpiece. In a magical twist of fate, the only man to throw a perfect game in World Series history watched from the stands as Cone joined baseball’s most exclusive club. It was the first time in baseball history that a perfect game pitcher witnessed another perfect game, creating a beautiful thread through baseball history.
BONUS: A Perfect Circle: When History Watched History
In a unique twist of baseball fate, Don Larsen, the only pitcher to throw a perfect game in the World Series, was in attendance to watch David Cone’s perfect game on Yogi Berra Day. This rare occurrence, where a perfect game pitcher witnessed another perfect game, solidified an extraordinary bond in baseball lore. In fact, Cone is a perfect game magnet – Cone and fellow perfect game pitcher Dallas Braden were in Oakland for Domingo German’s perfect game in 2023. These were the only occurrences of perfect games witnessed in person by other perfectionists.