Don Wilson

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Don Wilson pitched two no-hitters for the Houston Astros. His first no-hitter ended with a strikeout of Hank Aaron for the final out, and he struck out 15 batters in that game. His second no-hitter came on May 1, 1969, after Jim Maloney no-hit the Astros the day before, marking only the second time in MLB history that two pitchers threw no-hitters on consecutive days. In 1969, Wilson led the league in wild pitches with 16.

In Their Own Story

On July 14, during the second game of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds at Crosley Field, Wilson etched his name into history by recording 18 strikeouts in a single game, a club record that still stands. The atmosphere was electric as he dominated the lineup, leading the Astros to a 6–1 victory. His 1971 season represented his absolute zenith; he posted a career-best 2.45 ERA and went 16–10 while throwing 268 innings with 18 complete games. That year, he became the first and only pitcher in Astros history to lead the league in hits per nine innings (6.5) and was selected to his sole All-Star Game, where he pitched two scoreless innings in relief. He reached 1,000 career strikeouts on September 11, 1972, felling Willie Crawford of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Reader's Guide

Don Wilson is remembered as a pitcher for the Houston Astros who threw two no-hitters and led the National League in wild pitches in 1969.

Did You Know?

• Wilson struck out 15 batters in his first no-hitter, including Hank Aaron for the final out.
• His second no-hitter came on May 1, 1969, the day after Jim Maloney no-hit the Astros, making it only the second time in MLB history two pitchers threw no-hitters on consecutive days.
• Wilson led the National League in wild pitches in 1969 with 16.