1. June 30, 1962 – Dodgers vs. Mets
Koufax’s first no-hitter came against the lowly expansion Mets at Dodger Stadium, but it was still a statement. He struck out 13 and walked five in a 5–0 win. Though the Mets were the worst team ever, for the moment, it was Koufax’s first no-hitter and a sign of dominance to come. He did this just before making his 2nd all-star game as he battled Raynaud syndrome in his index finger.
2. May 11, 1963 – Dodgers vs. Giants
One year later, Koufax no-hit a far more formidable opponent: the San Francisco Giants, reigning National League champions. In front of a packed house at Dodger Stadium, he struck out 4 future Hall of Famers and 10 total batters in a 8–0 rout. He had a perfect game until the 8th and ended up only walking two. This his 2nd start after missing a few starts with the arm injuries he constantly battled with. Koufax going on to win Cy Young and MVP this year along with the World Series MVP.
3. June 4, 1964 – Dodgers vs. Phillies
The third no-hitter might’ve been his best — at least until the next year. Koufax struck out 12 and walked just one: Hall of Famer, Dick Allen, who reached on a 3–2 pitch in the fourth inning. That lone baserunner was the only blemish in an otherwise perfect outing. It was a tight 3–0 game, and every pitch mattered as he tied Bob Feller for the most no-hitters at the time. This an injury shortened season that prevented him from winning his 2nd straight Cy Young.
4. September 9, 1965 – Dodgers vs. Cubs
Then came the masterpiece: a perfect game against the Cubs at Dodger Stadium. Koufax struck out 14, including the final six batters, and faced the minimum 27 men. This the 8th perfect game overall, and the first by a left-handed pitcher and the first thrown at night. It was an all time pitching duel between him and Bob Hendley with the only run scoring on a throwing error. Hendley giving up just one hit for the least combined hits in one game. An iconic duel as Koufax became the first to throw 4 no-hitters with his 14 strikeouts the most ever in a perfect game. Tied with Matt Cain’s 14 strikeout perfect game in 2012 for the highest game score in a perfect game at 101.
What’s Happening
This Day In Sports History
1908: Cy Young throws his 3rd career no-hitter at the age of 41.
1962: Sandy Koufax throws 1st of his 4 career no-hitters against the Mets.
1978: Willie McCovey becomes 12th member of the 500 home run club.
1995: Eddie Murray becomes 20th member of 3,000 hit club.
Random Stat Of The Day
The Phillies have the most losses all time in the month of May at 1,942. The Rockies have the worst win percentage at .442.