Baseball is a game of statistics. That is undeniable. But this is not what only consists of the game. For a true fan to enjoy it, one looks outside these fixed figures to experience, for instance, a no-no in baseball.
Yes, a walk-off home run would mean victory for a team. But there is undoubtedly more to it. The thrill, twists and turns, and the display of a no-no performance in a baseball are what make it most spectacularly enjoyable!
But what is a no no in baseball? Read on to learn the top facts.
Contents
What Is a No-No in Baseball?
The baseball no no definition begins with the direct association with a no-hitter. A no-no means no hitter in baseball. In another way of understanding a no-no in baseball, we have a pitcher who stays throughout the complete game or “perfect game” without earning a single out.
Therefore, a perfect game takes at least nine innings, twenty-seven batters, and twenty-seven straight outs.
Earning a no-no status indicates that the pitcher went through all 27 batters. And not all pitchers can do that, making the no-no status one of the most impressive feats in baseball.
Also, a no-no pitcher cannot score despite having to steal second and third bases and subject the batter to being walked. Thus, the disposition towards assuming a no-hitter role stipulates one or two tricks up the sleeve.
How Can a Pitcher Accomplish a No-No?
First thing’s first: a pitcher had to be very good in predicting his opponent. The trade of this feat requires one to predict how the batter predicts his next moves. Facing the same batter three times can be so tedious that a pitcher could lose focus.
However, for pitchers with bullet-fast focus, the challenge tastes ever sweeter. Suppose a pitcher faces a good batter; chances are that he’d be more driven to counter the batter’s calculations on his first-pitch strikes.
Eventually, he can throw the batter off with surprise curves, in-the-face pitches, some outside pitches instead of the middle, and any sound distractions. But a pitcher can do these without considering, first and foremost, the rules governing such moves.
The road to a no-no involves a tight competition between nearly-equal opponents where one has to be many steps ahead of the other.
How Secure Is a No-No in Baseball?
It is not 100% secure for sure. Much has to be seen as how stable it is based on statistical views.
Firstly, even in a no no baseball game, certain exceptions apply. For instance, a no-no or no-hitter game does not automatically indicate that a rival team cannot or shall not opt to reach a base. As mentioned earlier, batters can still be walked even in a no event.
Even without a hit, an opposite team can still manage to reach base through the following events:
- Hit-by-pitch: If a pitched ball, not in a strike zone, hits the batter, the ball is automatically dead. As a result, the batter is given first base.
- Base on Balls: A base on balls is basically a walk. Since the batter can be walked, its team naturally gains the opportunity to reach a base.
- Error: If a fielder makes a mistake, the opposing team’s batter gets to reach a base.
Ultimately, the security provided by the no-no or no-hitter game is still, after all, dependent on the pitcher’s skill. Although it is improbable for a pitcher who has ensured a no-hitter game to lose, he still has so much work to do to land a win or a shutout.
The same reality applies to extra-innings (beyond 9) because the pitcher must not give up a hit even during the extra period.
Who Had the Most No-Hitters in History?
Below is the list of pitchers with most no hitters in mlb history:
- Nolan Ryan: As an elite and fierce pitcher, Nolan Rylan deserved more than a nod at the baseball hall of fame.
His first historic no-no game happened in 1973, a break with the Angels. His last historic no-no game occurred between 1990-1991 when he was under the Rangers.
He has earned seven no-no or no-hitter games from the 70s to the 90s. Although none in the seven no-nos indicated that he could win a perfect match, they nevertheless reveal Ryan’s endurance to stay for as long as he could in a superior game level.
- Sandy Koufax: Before Ryan, Koufax was at the top of his game with four successive and uninterrupted no-nos throughout three seasons. Even Ryan’s seven no-nos stand pale if you compare it to the concentration of Koufax’s accomplishments given such a time frame.
The last no-no by Koufax earned him a perfect game of 1-0 slew against the cubs.
- Larry Corcoran: Larry Corcoran was a famous right-handed pitcher who was undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with. A Chicago White Stockings member, Corcoran earned a consecutive three no-nos sometime during the 1880s.
He is one of the oldest hall-of-Famers to be recognized with no-no accomplishments.
Other top pitchers with the most number of no-nos in MLB history include:
- Cy Young: three no-hitters with a perfect game, plus the best pitcher record during his time
- Bob Feller: Accomplished a no-no during the opening day game; a record of three no-hitters or no-nos
- Justin Verlander: 3 no-nos
Conclusion
What is a no no in baseball? A no-no in baseball is also defined as a no-hitter, a game state where a pitcher gives up no hits within at least nine innings, 27 batter encounters, and an overall perfect game.
Therefore, based on the scenarios given, it is tough to obtain and maintain a no-no in baseball, especially since it does not promise a 100% score. Fortunately, a no-no status increases the pitcher’s chances of not losing.
A powerful swing and the ball is flying across the field, just one hit, and we might never forget the thrill it brings. I do not know about you, but I never do. Every baseball game is the chance to compete with others and cooperate with your teammate. It is among my biggest passions.
