The Pitching Lines That Still Don’t Look Real

Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Schatz

Baseball’s pitching records stand as monuments to human endurance, skill, and determination. From the dead-ball era to modern times, these achievements have captured our imagination and defined the sport’s greatest moments. Some records seem destined to stand forever, while others remind us of baseball’s ever-evolving nature. Join us as we explore the most remarkable pitching feats in MLB history.

Nolan Ryan’s 7 No-Hitters: A Record That May Never Fall

The Ryan Express didn’t just dominate; he rewrote the history books. Between 1973 and 1991, Nolan Ryan threw an astounding seven no-hitters, three more than any other pitcher in history. His final no-hitter came at age 44 with the Texas Rangers, proving his legendary durability. Beyond these gems, Ryan also pitched 12 one-hitters and 18 two-hitters, demonstrating a level of dominance we may never witness again.

Old Hoss Radbourn’s 60 Wins in 1884: The Impossible Season

In an era when pitchers were true workhorses, Charles “Old Hoss” Radbourn achieved the unthinkable for the Providence Grays. During the 1884 season, he won an astronomical 60 games, including 18 straight victories. He started 73 games and completed 73, pitching an mind-boggling 678.2 innings with a 1.38 ERA. In today’s game of pitch counts and innings limits, this record stands as baseball’s most unbreakable.

Johnny Vander Meer’s Back-to-Back No-Hitters

On June 11 and 15, 1938, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Johnny Vander Meer accomplished what seemed impossible: consecutive no-hitters. The second came in the first night game at Brooklyn’s Ebbets Field, adding to its historical significance. Despite numerous no-hitters since, no pitcher has matched this feat, making it one of baseball’s most remarkable achievements.

Walter Johnson’s 110 Career Shutouts

The Big Train’s mastery over hitters spanned 21 seasons, during which he recorded an incredible 110 shutouts. Johnson’s closest modern-era competitor, Warren Spahn, finished with 63. In today’s game, where complete games are increasingly rare, Johnson’s record represents a different era of baseball that we’ll never see again.

Cy Young’s 511 Career Wins: Baseball’s Most Unbreakable Record

Denton True “Cy” Young’s 511 wins stand as baseball’s Mount Everest. Over 22 seasons, Young averaged 23 wins per year, completing 749 of his 815 starts. With modern pitching rotations and bullpen specialization, this record isn’t just unbreakable—it’s nearly incomprehensible.

Orel Hershiser’s 59 Consecutive Scoreless Innings

In 1988, Orel Hershiser ended the regular season with 59 consecutive scoreless innings, breaking Don Drysdale’s seemingly untouchable record. The streak included five straight complete game shutouts and part of a sixth game. Hershiser’s remarkable run culminated in a Cy Young Award and a World Series MVP.

Don Drysdale’s 58⅔ Consecutive Scoreless Innings

Before Hershiser, Don Drysdale set the standard with his 58⅔ scoreless innings streak in 1968. During this remarkable run, he threw six consecutive shutouts, a record that still stands. The streak ended dramatically when he hit Dick Dietz with the bases loaded, forcing in a run.

Bob Gibson’s 1.12 ERA in 1968: The Year of the Pitcher

Bob Gibson’s 1968 season remains the gold standard for pitching excellence. His 1.12 ERA over 304⅔ innings included 13 shutouts and 28 complete games. Gibson’s dominance was so complete that MLB lowered the pitcher’s mound the following season, making this record even more untouchable.

Fernando Valenzuela’s “Fernandomania”: Eight Complete Games to Start a Career

In 1981, rookie Fernando Valenzuela took baseball by storm, starting his career with eight complete games, including five shutouts. The 20-year-old Mexican sensation captured the imagination of fans worldwide, winning both Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award. In today’s specialized pitching environment, this feat seems like something from a different sport entirely.