Who Almost Had a Perfect Game? The Near Misses in Baseball History

A perfect game in baseball is one of the most elusive and incredible feats a pitcher can achieve. But have you ever wondered, who almost had a perfect game? These near-misses are the stuff of legends, where history could have been made but just slipped away. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the most famous near-perfect games that baseball fans still talk about today.

What is a Perfect Game?

Before we get into who almost achieved this remarkable feat, let’s define what a perfect game really is. A perfect game occurs when a pitcher faces the minimum number of batters—27—and does not allow any of them to reach base. Not a single walk, hit, or error. To put it simply, it’s the holy grail of pitching performances in baseball. So, when someone almost pulls it off but falls short, it's truly heartbreaking.

Why is it so rare?

The rarity of a perfect game is staggering. As of now, only 23 perfect games have been thrown in Major League Baseball history. Considering how many games are played every year, that number is minuscule. And yet, there have been several instances where pitchers came incredibly close to this perfect achievement, only to have it ripped away in heartbreaking fashion.

The Near-Perfect Games: Who Came So Close?

Let’s take a look at some of the most famous cases of pitchers who almost had a perfect game, but for one reason or another, couldn’t seal the deal.

1. Armando Galarraga’s Near-Perfect Game

One of the most infamous near-perfect games in recent history occurred in 2010 with Armando Galarraga of the Detroit Tigers. On June 2, Galarraga was just one out away from perfection when a controversial call by first base umpire Jim Joyce ended his bid. The batter, Jason Donald, hit a ground ball to first base, where Galarraga covered the bag. Donald was called safe, despite the replay showing he was out by a mile.

It was gut-wrenching for everyone watching. I remember seeing it unfold on TV with my friend John, and we both sat there stunned, knowing that Galarraga had just been robbed of a moment that could’ve made history. Jim Joyce later admitted his mistake and even apologized to Galarraga, but the fact remains: one of the closest perfect games ever wasn’t perfect due to a human error.

2. Joe DiMaggio’s Almost Perfect Catch

Okay, okay, this one might be a bit of a stretch in terms of “almost perfect game,” but hear me out. While not a perfect game in the traditional sense, Joe DiMaggio, one of baseball’s most legendary players, was known for coming incredibly close to a perfect season. In 1941, DiMaggio had a 56-game hitting streak that almost seemed like a perfect achievement in itself.

Now, back to near-perfect games—DiMaggio’s career was filled with nearly flawless plays, and he was known for his incredible fielding as well. Some of his catches were so perfect, they almost defied logic. But if we're talking about perfection, his nearly perfect season on offense has to be mentioned when discussing baseball players who came really close to perfection in their own way.

3. Randy Johnson’s 2004 Near-Miss

Randy Johnson, the "Big Unit," was one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB history. In 2004, he was on the verge of pitching a perfect game for the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Atlanta Braves. Johnson had retired the first 26 batters, just one away from perfection, when a controversial walk to the last batter broke his chance at history.

It was a moment that I’ll never forget, especially since I was watching the game live with my dad, a lifelong baseball fan. We were so close to seeing something historic. The walk was an agonizing moment—just one batter standing between Johnson and immortality. But in baseball, as in life, it doesn’t always go as planned.

Why Do These Near-Misses Matter?

Now, you might be wondering: why do these almost-perfect games still matter? After all, a near-miss isn’t a win. Well, the answer lies in the way baseball fans and players view perfection. These instances are a reminder of how difficult it is to achieve greatness, and how small details can make or break a moment in time.

1. The Human Element

Baseball is often called a "game of inches," and these near-perfect games highlight just how true that is. The difference between a perfect game and a near-perfect game can come down to a bad call, a small slip-up, or a pitch that misses its mark by just a fraction. These near-misses show the human element of baseball, where perfection can be lost in a heartbeat.

2. The Emotional Impact

For the players involved, a near-perfect game is a mixture of pride and heartbreak. Many of these pitchers, like Galarraga, pitched with everything they had, knowing they were on the verge of something historic. The emotional toll of having it slip away is something that most fans will never fully understand. It’s not just about the game—it’s about everything that led up to that moment and the "what could have been" feeling that stays with them forever.

Conclusion: The Quest for Perfection Continues

So, who almost had a perfect game? We’ve only scratched the surface of the many near-misses in baseball history. Whether it’s Galarraga’s infamous call, Johnson’s near-miss, or players like DiMaggio edging ever so close to perfection in their own right, these stories are part of the rich tapestry of baseball’s past.

But in the end, they remind us of just how rare and precious a perfect game is. The quest for that elusive moment of perfection continues, and while it’s heartbreaking to miss it by just a bit, it’s the pursuit itself that keeps us coming back to the game. After all, as fans, we can all dream of witnessing the next perfect game—and who knows? Maybe the next one is just around the corner.

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