What is a Perfect Game? MLB's Greatest Pitching Performances

A no-hitter in baseball refers to a game in which a pitcher (or a combination of pitchers) does not allow the opposing team to record a hit throughout the entire game, whether it's a single, double, triple, or home run. The pitcher(s) must pitch a complete game (nine innings) or more without allowing a hit for it to be officially recognized as a no-hitter.

To achieve a no-hitter, the pitcher(s) must display exceptional skill and accuracy in their pitches, as well as receive support from their teammates in the field. They need to effectively retire all opposing batters without allowing them to reach base via a hit. However, it's important to note that a pitcher can still allow baserunners through walks, hit-by-pitches, or errors, and still have a no-hitter intact as long as no hits are recorded.

No-hitters are considered rare and remarkable achievements in baseball, often resulting in significant media attention and celebration for the pitcher and their team. There have been a total of 318 no-hitters completed in the MLB, with Nolan Ryan holding the record of seven of them across his hall-of-fame career.

A perfect game in baseball is an even more exceptional feat than a no-hitter. It occurs when a pitcher or a combination of pitchers retire every batter from the opposing team in order, without allowing any batter to reach base in any way. This means no hits, walks, hit-by-pitches, or errors are allowed throughout the entire game.

It requires the pitcher(s) to display exceptional skill, precision, and consistency throughout the game. The pitcher must throw strikes, induce weak contact or strikeouts, and receive support from their teammates in the field to make all the necessary defensive plays.

Perfect games are extremely rare and require a touch of luck. Like no-hitters, perfect games receive significant attention and are celebrated as extraordinary accomplishments in the sport. There have been a total of 23 perfect games in MLB history, with no pitcher throwing more than one, and only once has one been thrown in a postseason game.

• Don Larsen: October 8th, 1956
• Score: Brooklyn Dodgers 0 - New York Yankees 2
• Venue: Yankee Stadium, Game 5 of the World Series)
• Last Pitch Caught By: Yogi Berra

Don Larsen's perfect game is one of the most iconic moments in baseball history. It took place on October 8, 1956, during Game 5 of the World Series between the New York Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Larsen, a pitcher for the New York Yankees, achieved perfection by retiring all 27 Brooklyn Dodgers in order, without allowing a single baserunner. He recorded 7 strikeouts and was backed by stellar defense from his teammates.

Larsen's perfect game was the first and only perfect game ever thrown in postseason play. It came at a crucial moment in the World Series, with the Yankees and Dodgers tied at two games apiece. Larsen's remarkable performance helped the Yankees win the game 2-0 and take a 3-2 series lead. The Yankees eventually went on to win the World Series in seven games.

This game is remembered as one of the greatest pitching performances in baseball history and solidified Larsen's place in the record books. The image of Yogi Berra jumping into Larsen's arms after the final out is an iconic moment in the sport.