The New York Mets, a professional baseball team based in New York City, have had their fair share of successes and failures throughout their history. One particularly rare and impressive accomplishment in the game of baseball is pitching a no-hitter, which occurs when a pitcher prevents the opposing team from recording a single hit during a complete game. Despite being eight-time National League East champions, the Mets, unfortunately, hold the record for the most no-hitters thrown against them in Major League Baseball history.
Since their establishment in 1962, the New York Mets have endured the misfortune of 27 no-hitters being thrown against them. These pitchers, representing a variety of teams from across the league, have etched their names in baseball history by achieving this remarkable feat. Some of the most notable pitchers to accomplish a no-hitter against the Mets include Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Bob Feller of the Cleveland Indians, and Tom Seaver of the Cincinnati Reds.
Sandy Koufax, widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers of all time, threw a no-hitter against the Mets on June 30, 1962, just two days after the franchise’s very first game. This historic achievement set the stage for the Mets’ unfortunate trend of being no-hit throughout the years. Bob Feller, a legendary pitcher known for his overpowering fastball, accomplished the feat against the Mets on April 30, 1946. Tom Seaver, a revered Mets pitcher himself, ironically pitched a no-hitter against his former team on June 16, 1978, after having been traded away by the Mets.
While it may be disheartening for Mets fans to see their team on the receiving end of so many no-hitters, it is a testament to the storied history of the game. These moments of greatness, achieved by some of the sport’s most iconic pitchers, serve as reminders of the unpredictable nature of baseball. As the Mets continue their journey, fans and players alike can hope for the day when they find themselves on the other side of this statistical anomaly, celebrating their own pitcher’s no-hitter.
Dwight Gooden
Dwight Gooden, also known as “Doc,” pitched a no-hitter against the New York Mets on May 14, 1996. Gooden was playing for the New York Yankees at the time, and his incredible performance came against his former team.
Gooden began his career with the Mets in 1984 and quickly became one of the most dominant pitchers in the league. His powerful fastball and devastating curveball made him a force to be reckoned with on the mound. In his rookie season, Gooden won the National League Rookie of the Year award and helped lead the Mets to a World Series championship.
After several successful seasons with the Mets, Gooden’s career took a downturn due to personal issues. However, he was able to make a comeback with the Yankees in the mid-1990s. His no-hitter against the Mets in 1996 was a standout moment in his career and a testament to his skill and determination.
Gooden’s no-hitter against the Mets was a bittersweet moment for both fans and players. While Mets fans were disappointed to see their former star pitcher achieve such a milestone against their team, many also recognized the significance of Gooden’s accomplishment and applauded his skill.
Dwight Gooden’s career may have had its ups and downs, but his no-hitter against the New York Mets in 1996 will always be remembered as a remarkable moment in baseball history. His talent and remarkable pitching ability solidified his place as one of the greatest pitchers of his generation.
Rick Wise
Rick Wise, a right-handed pitcher, threw a no-hitter against the New York Mets on June 23, 1971. At the time, Wise was playing for the Philadelphia Phillies. During the game, Wise struck out 10 batters and only allowed one base runner, who reached on a throwing error in the first inning.
Wise’s dominant performance helped the Phillies secure a 4-0 victory over the Mets. He also contributed to the offense by hitting two home runs in the game, becoming the only pitcher in Major League history to hit two homers in a no-hitter and the first player to hit a no-hitter and hit two homers in the same game.
The no-hitter thrown by Wise against the Mets was a remarkable achievement and remains a part of baseball history. Wise’s exceptional pitching skills and offensive contributions made this game one of the most memorable performances against the New York Mets.
Ed Halicki
Ed Halicki pitched a no-hitter against the New York Mets on August 24, 1975. He was a pitcher for the San Francisco Giants at the time.
This was Halicki’s first and only no-hitter of his career. He pitched a perfect game, allowing no hits, walks, or errors and striking out 10 batters. The final score of the game was 6-0 in favor of the Giants.
Halicki’s no-hitter against the Mets was a memorable moment in his career. It solidified his place in baseball history and made him a part of the select group of pitchers who have achieved this impressive feat.
Fun fact: Halicki’s no-hitter was the first ever at Candlestick Park, the former home stadium of the San Francisco Giants.
Bob Forsch
Bob Forsch is a former pitcher who threw a no-hitter against the New York Mets on April 16, 1978. Forsch played for the St. Louis Cardinals and also pitched a second no-hitter in his career.
On that historic day in 1978, Forsch dominated the Mets lineup, not allowing a single hit in the game. He struck out three batters and walked two, earning the 3-0 victory for the Cardinals. Forsch’s no-hitter was the first in the history of Busch Stadium, and he became the second Cardinals pitcher to achieve this feat.
Forsch’s second no-hitter came on September 26, 1983, against the Montreal Expos. He again showcased his dominant pitching skills, striking out six batters and walking two. Forsch’s second no-hitter made him the first Cardinals pitcher to accomplish the feat more than once.
Throughout his career, Bob Forsch was known for his consistency and durability as a pitcher. He spent 15 seasons in the Major Leagues, all with the Cardinals, and recorded over 150 wins. Forsch’s no-hitter against the Mets remains one of the highlights of his impressive career.
Johan Santana
Johan Santana, a Venezuelan left-handed pitcher, has pitched the only no-hitter in New York Mets franchise history. He accomplished this feat on June 1, 2012, against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field in New York City.
Santana’s no-hitter was a historic moment for the Mets and their fans. He threw a total of 134 pitches, striking out eight batters and walking five. The game ended with a final score of 8-0 in favor of the Mets.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 1, 2012 | St. Louis Cardinals | Citi Field, New York City | 8-0 |
This no-hitter was a significant moment in Mets history, as the franchise had been in existence for over 50 years without a pitcher achieving this feat. Santana’s performance earned him the respect and admiration of his teammates, fans, and baseball enthusiasts worldwide.
Unfortunately, Johan Santana’s career with the Mets was plagued by injuries, and he was never able to replicate the success of his no-hitter. However, his historic achievement will forever be remembered by Mets fans as one of the greatest moments in the team’s history.
Homer Bailey
Homer Bailey is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who pitched two no-hitters in his career, one of which was against the New York Mets.
The first no-hitter by Bailey against the Mets took place on July 2, 2013, when he was playing for the Cincinnati Reds. Bailey pitched a complete game shutout, allowing no hits and striking out 10 batters. The Reds won the game with a final score of 3-0.
This performance by Bailey was the first no-hitter against the Mets in nearly four years. Prior to Bailey’s accomplishment, the last no-hitter against the Mets was thrown by Johan Santana on June 1, 2012.
Bailey’s second no-hitter in his career occurred on July 2, 2013, when he was playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. In this game, Bailey once again pitched a complete game shutout, allowing no hits and striking out 10 batters. The Dodgers won the game with a final score of 8-0.
Homer Bailey’s no-hitters against the New York Mets solidified his place in baseball history and showcased his exceptional pitching abilities.
