Catfish Hunter's Perfect Game (1968)
Catfish Hunter's perfect game: 11 strikeouts, a gold watch for his catcher, and the smallest crowd in perfect game history.
On May 8, 1968, Jim 'Catfish' Hunter of the Oakland Athletics pitched the ninth perfect game in Major League Baseball history, defeating the Minnesota Twins 4–0 at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum.
Quick Facts
- Player
- Catfish Hunter
- Role
- Starting Pitcher
- Opponent
- Minnesota Twins
- Venue
- Municipal Stadium, Kansas City
- Date
- August 8, 1968
- Outcome
- Perfect Game (27 up, 27 down)
- Scoreline
- Athletics 4, Twins 0
Lore & Background
Hunter struck out 11 batters, including the last two batters he faced: Bruce Look and pinch-hitter Rich Reese. He also struck out Harmon Killebrew all three times the two future Hall-of-Famers faced each other. Only two batters got to a three-ball count: Tony Oliva in the second inning, who reached a 3–0 count before striking out, and pinch hitter Reese, who fouled off five consecutive 3–2 pitches before striking out to end the game. Hunter relied mostly on his fastball during the game, only disagreeing with catcher Jim Pagliaroni's pitch-calling decisions twice. As a measure of his appreciation for his catcher's contribution to the perfect game, Hunter rewarded Pagliaroni with a gold watch that he had inscribed on back. Only 6,298 fans showed up for the evening contest, which is the smallest attendance to watch any MLB perfect game. The perfect game was the American League's first regular season perfect game since Charlie Robertson's perfect game in 1922, as well as the first no-hitter in the Athletics' Oakland history, which was in only its 25th game after the franchise had moved from Kansas City, Missouri, its home from 1955 to 1967. Bill McCahan had pitched the Athletics' last no-hitter in 1947; the franchise was then based in Philadelphia. One of the best hitting pitchers of his time, Hunter went 3–4 at the plate, helping his own cause by batting in three of the four Oakland runs. In the bottom of the seventh inning, his bunt single scored Rick Monday to break a scoreless tie. One inning later, with the Athletics leading 2–0, he singled to score Pagliaroni and Monday. As of 2017, Hunter is the youngest pitcher to pitch a modern-era perfect game, at 22 years, 30 days old.
Reader's Guide
The final out was recorded on a strikeout of pinch-hitter Rich Reese, not on a ground ball. Reese struck out to end the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Catfish Hunter throw his perfect game for the A's?
Catfish Hunter achieved this historic feat on August 8, 1968, while pitching against the Minnesota Twins.
Where was the venue for this perfect game?
The game took place at Municipal Stadium in Kansas City, which served as the Athletics' home field at that time.
Who did Catfish Hunter face during his perfect game?
He faced the Minnesota Twins, retiring all 27 batters he encountered without allowing a single hit or walk.
Why is this performance unique in Oakland A's history?
It remains the only perfect game ever recorded by a player wearing an Oakland Athletics uniform.
What was the final outcome of the game?
Hunter's pitching resulted in a flawless 27-up, 27-down performance that stands as one of the franchise's most celebrated individual achievements.
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