Jim Bunning

The only MLB player elected to both the U.S. Senate and the Baseball Hall of Fame, known for throwing a perfect game on Father's Day.

James Paul David Bunning (October 23, 1931 – May 26, 2017) was an American professional baseball pitcher and politician from Kentucky who served in both chambers of the United States Congress. He is the only Major League Baseball athlete to have been elected to both the United States Senate and the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Pitching for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1963 to 1967, Bunning delivered one of the most historic performances in franchise history on June 21, 1964. He threw the seventh perfect game in Major League Baseball history against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium, marking the first perfect game in the National League since 1880. His tenure with the Phillies also included a second no-hitter and a pivotal role in the dramatic 1964 pennant race.

Quick Facts

Office: United States Senator
Took office: January 3, 1999
Left office: January 3, 2011
Predecessor: Wendell Ford
Successor: Rand Paul
Birth name: James Paul David Bunning
Born: 23 October 1931
Birthplace: Southgate, Kentucky, U.S.

Lore & Background

Bunning's time with the Phillies was defined by historic resilience and a singular moment of perfection. Acquired from the Detroit Tigers in the 1963 Winter Meetings along with Gus Triandos for Don Demeter and Jack Hamilton, Bunning arrived with a 6–2 record early in his first season. On June 21, 1964, facing Tracy Stallard and the New York Mets, he retired every batter he faced. The game featured critical defensive plays, such as second baseman Tony Taylor's diving catch that kept catcher Jesse Gonder off the bases. Bunning also contributed at the plate, hitting a double and driving in two runs in the sixth inning. He reached only two three-ball counts all game, retiring pinch-hitters George Altman and John Stephenson on strikeouts to complete the feat. With seven children of his own, Bunning noted that pitching on Father's Day could not have come at a more appropriate time. This perfect game was the first thrown by a National League pitcher since 1880 and the first regular-season perfect game since Charlie Robertson in 1922.

Reader's Guide

Bunning's statistical profile during his Phillies tenure reflects elite consistency despite rare league-leading categories. He never led the league in ERA or Cy Young voting while with Philadelphia, though he came closest in 1967—his best year at age 35—when he finished second behind Mike McCormick. That season, he posted a career-best 2.29 ERA, led the league in shutouts (6), games started, innings pitched (302.1), and strikeouts (253). It was the only year he earned any Cy Young Award votes. Over his career, Bunning struck out three batters on nine pitches in an inning, becoming the fifth American League pitcher to accomplish an immaculate inning. He led the league in strikeouts three times total: 201 in 1959, 201 in 1960, and 253 in 1967. Although he never won a Cy Young Award, his 2,855 career strikeouts placed him second all-time at retirement behind Walter Johnson; he currently ranks 22nd. In 1996, Bunning was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee, and in 2001, the Phillies retired his uniform number #14.

Did You Know?

Bunning became the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter, win 100 games, and record 1,000 strikeouts in both leagues.
In the ninth inning of a loss on August 2, 1959, he struck out three batters on nine pitches, becoming the 10th pitcher in history to throw an immaculate inning.