- A no-hitter is when a team does not record a single hit through a complete nine-inning game.
- There have been 325 no-hitters in MLB history.
- Johnny Vander Meer is the only player to record consecutive no-hitters.
A no-hitter is a career-defining moment for a pitcher. Whatever else happens in their career, a player pitching a no-no can never be taken away.
It doesn’t matter if they are on teams who are never fancied to win the World Series in MLB odds or if their career statistics are underwhelming – a no-hitter will be fondly remembered by everyone involved, by spectators in the ballpark, and fans watching along at home.
What Is a No-Hitter in Baseball?
A no-hitter is when a pitcher (or multiple pitchers) does not allow a single hit through an entire game of at least nine innings. Pitchers can allow base runners and concede runs and still be credited with a no-hitter, so long as no opposing hitters record a base hit.
No-hitters generally result in a shutout, but teams have scored and been no-hit on 25 occasions. Players can still reach base via a walk, fielder’s choice, error, passed ball or wild pitch on strike three, catcher’s interference, or hit by pitch.
Is a No-Hitter a Big Deal?
Yes, a no-hitter is always a big deal. MLB has had 325 no-hitters since the 19th century.
Blake Snell tosses the 18th no-hitter in @SFGiants history! pic.twitter.com/KVS3tml6CR
— MLB (@MLB) August 3, 2024
Combined no-hitters have become more common in recent years, which are not met with the same excitement, but they are still historic moments.
The San Diego Padres, for instance, had to wait until 2021 for their first no-hitter, while three MLB teams have only had one no-hitter in franchise history.
In 1884, Pud Galvin became the first pitcher to throw multiple no-hitters after his first in 1880. A total of 35 pitchers have thrown more than one no-hitter. Nolan Ryan has the most no-hitters with seven, ahead of Sandy Koufax’s four.
The rarity of a no-hitter makes them notoriously unpredictable. Some pitchers who were perennial Cy Young favourites according to baseball odds never recorded a no-no, while others had their best stuff and a bit of luck on the right day to etch their name into the history books.
Has There Ever Been Back-to-Back No-Hitters?
Yes, Johnny Vander Meer pitched consecutive no-hitters for the Cincinnati Reds in June 1938.
Vander Meer was dominant against the Boston Bees on June 11, never allowing a hitter past first base. Four days later, he rode his luck to no-hit the Brooklyn Dodgers despite allowing eight walks. Along with Cy Young’s 749 complete games, Vander Meer’s consecutive no-hitters is one of the most unbreakable records in baseball history.
Vander Meer was a four-time All-Star and led the National League in strikeouts in 1941, 1942, and 1943.
