No-hitters are a rare and exciting feat in baseball, where a pitcher goes the entire game without allowing a single hit to the opposing team. However, sometimes a no-hitter can be erased from the record books due to a technicality or a controversial ruling. While this may seem disappointing for the pitcher and their team, it can also lead to some fun and interesting stories in the world of baseball.
One of the most famous instances of an erased no-hitter occurred in 1990 when Andy Hawkins of the New York Yankees threw a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox. However, due to a rule change that had been implemented earlier that season, the game was not considered an official no-hitter because Hawkins did not pitch a full nine innings. The Yankees lost the game 4-0, but Hawkins had made history by throwing a no-hitter that technically didn’t count.
Another notable example of an erased no-hitter happened in 2008 when the Arizona Diamondbacks faced the San Francisco Giants. Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson threw a no-hitter, but the game was called after the 7th inning due to rain. According to official MLB rules, a no-hitter must be a complete game of at least nine innings, so Johnson’s no-hitter was erased from the record books.
Despite the disappointment of having a no-hitter erased, these instances often lead to fun and light-hearted reactions from players and fans. Some teams have even celebrated these “unofficial” no-hitters by presenting the pitcher with a mock no-hitter trophy or creating commemorative merchandise.
There have also been cases where pitchers have had a no-hitter erased due to a controversial ruling by an umpire. In 2010, umpire Jim Joyce made a controversial call that cost Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game. Joyce admitted after the game that he had made a mistake, and the ruling was widely criticized. However, Galarraga showed remarkable sportsmanship by accepting the umpire’s apology and moving on from the incident.
Overall, while having a no-hitter erased may be disappointing for the pitcher and their team, it can also lead to some fun and interesting stories in the world of baseball. These instances remind us that baseball is a game filled with unpredictability and human error, and that sometimes the most memorable moments come from the most unexpected places. So next time a no-hitter is erased from the record books, remember to enjoy the fun and unique story that comes along with it.