Ken Johnson

Lore & Background

Ken Johnson's time with the Astros featured one of baseball's most bizarre and heartbreaking achievements: on April 23, 1964, he threw a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds at the Astrodome—but lost 1–0. The only run came on an error, a walk, and a sacrifice fly. Johnson is one of only a few pitchers in MLB history to toss a complete-game no-hitter and lose, alongside Andy Hawkins, Matt Young, and Jered Weaver. That 1964 season was a defining moment for Johnson and the Astros. Going 11-16 with a 2.87 ERA over 247 innings, he anchored a rotation alongside Bob Bruce, Turk Farrell, and Don Nottebart. Despite the team finishing 66-96, Johnson's no-hit loss became a legendary footnote in baseball lore.

Reader's Guide

Forsch's career trajectory offers a clear path through late-era baseball success and transition. Selected by Houston in the 18th round of the 1968 draft (399th overall), he debuted on September 7, 1970. His peak came with back-to-back All-Star selections in 1976 and 1981. In April 1981, he was traded to the California Angels for Dickie Thon, demanding a move after the Astros acquired Don Sutton and Bob Knepper. With the Angels, he pitched 153 innings in the strike-shortened 1981 season, recording 11 wins, seven losses, a 2.88 ERA, and a league-high four shutouts. His career ended abruptly due to injury; on April 7, 1984, while diving for a bag, he landed on his right elbow, dislocating his shoulder. He returned briefly in 1986 before retiring with 114 wins, 1,047 strikeouts, and a 3.37 ERA.

Did You Know?

• He pitched exactly eight innings in the first-ever regular-season game at the Astrodome on April 9, 1965.
• In the 1964 season, he led the Astros in innings pitched (247) and strikeouts (128).
• His last MLB appearance came in 1970; he continued pitching in the minors before retiring.
• After retiring as a player, he worked as a scout and minor league pitching coach for several organizations.