Who was the last pitcher to pitch a perfect game? The answer to this question is often a topic of debate among baseball enthusiasts, but the consensus is clear: Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners achieved this remarkable feat on August 15, 2012. This perfect game was not only a testament to Hernandez’s pitching prowess but also marked the first time in Major League Baseball (MLB) history that a pitcher from the American League (AL) had thrown a perfect game.
Felix Hernandez, born on April 8, 1984, in Los Angeles, Panama, began his professional baseball career in the Seattle Mariners organization. He was drafted in the first round of the 2004 MLB Draft and made his debut with the Mariners in 2005. Over the years, Hernandez has been known for his exceptional control and overpowering fastball, which made him a dominant force on the mound.
The perfect game that Hernandez threw against the Tampa Bay Rays was a masterpiece of pitching. He faced 27 batters and recorded 27 outs, not allowing a single baserunner throughout the game. His performance was so dominant that he finished with a final score of 1-0, with the only run coming from a solo home run by the Rays’ Jason Bartlett in the first inning. Despite Bartlett’s long ball, Hernandez’s performance was untouchable, as he baffled the Rays’ hitters with a combination of fastballs, sliders, and changeups.
The significance of Hernandez’s perfect game cannot be overstated. It was the 21st perfect game in MLB history and the first since Dallas Braden’s perfect game on May 9, 2010. This marked a span of 2,462 games since the last perfect game had been thrown, making Hernandez’s achievement all the more remarkable.
The moment Hernandez’s perfect game was complete, the baseball world erupted in celebration. His teammates rushed the mound, and he was embraced by his family and friends. The Mariners’ fans, who had witnessed a truly special performance, erupted in cheers and applause. Hernandez’s perfect game will forever be etched in the annals of baseball history as one of the greatest pitching performances of all time.
In conclusion, Felix Hernandez was the last pitcher to pitch a perfect game, and his achievement will long be remembered as a testament to his extraordinary talent and the magic of baseball. His perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays on August 15, 2012, will forever remain a cherished moment in the hearts of baseball fans around the world.
