A comprehensive ranking of every pitcher who has thrown a perfect game in the modern era of Major League Baseball, highlighting exceptional performances where no batter reached base. These rare feats showcase total dominance and are considered among the greatest individual achievements in sports.
Get targeted exposure with custom position pinning and highlighted placement.
The inaugural perfect game was thrown by Cy Young on May 5, 1904, while pitching for the Boston Americans against the Philadelphia Athletics. This historic achievement set the standard for pitching excellence and remains one of the most celebrated moments in early baseball history.
On April 30, 1922, Robertson completed a perfect game for the Chicago White Sox against the Detroit Tigers, though the win was later retroactively awarded due to a controversy involving a hit by pitch that was initially missed by umpires. Despite the administrative issues, his performance is recognized officially.
Larsen achieved the only perfect game in World Series history on October 8, 1956, pitching for the New York Yankees against the Brooklyn Dodgers. His masterpiece in Game 5 of the postseason remains an unmatched feat, combining pressure, precision, and historical significance.
While primarily known as a reliever, Wilhelm did not throw a perfect game; this slot is reserved for actual perfect game pitchers. Correct entry: Jim Bunning threw a perfect game for the Detroit Tigers against the Chicago Cubs on June 21, 1964, striking out nine batters in the process.
On June 21, 1964, Jim Bunning pitched a perfect game for the Detroit Tigers against the Chicago Cubs, striking out nine batters and allowing only four hits total (all by a single batter in a different context, but here he allowed no baserunners). His performance was a masterclass in control and speed.
Sandy Koufax delivered a historic perfect game on September 9, 1965, for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs. He struck out 14 batters, showcasing his devastating slider and fastball, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers in Dodgers history.
Catfish Hunter threw a perfect game on May 8, 1968, for the Oakland Athletics against the Baltimore Orioles. He pitched a complete game shutout, demonstrating remarkable endurance and accuracy during a season defined by dominant pitching performances across the league.
On May 15, 1981, Len Barker of the Cleveland Indians threw a perfect game against the Toronto Blue Jays, a feat achieved despite a thunderstorm that delayed the game. He retired all 27 batters faced, striking out seven and walking none, in a memorable day at Municipal Stadium.
Ferguson Jenkins did not throw a perfect game; correct entry: Tom Browning of the Cincinnati Reds threw a perfect game on July 20, 1988, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He struck out 10 batters and was supported by a strong offensive performance from his teammates.
Tom Browning pitched a perfect game for the Cincinnati Reds on July 20, 1988, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He struck out 10 batters, relying on a mix of fastballs and changeups to keep the powerful Dodgers lineup off balance throughout the entire game.
Kenny Rogers of the Texas Rangers threw a perfect game on July 28, 1994, against the Seattle Mariners. This performance occurred just before the players' strike, and Rogers relied on his powerful fastball and sharp breaking ball to retire every batter he faced.
On May 17, 1998, David Wells of the New York Yankees threw a perfect game against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium. His performance was particularly poignant as it came after a period of professional struggle, serving as a dramatic comeback story in baseball lore.
David Cone pitched a perfect game for the New York Yankees on July 18, 1999, against the Montreal Expos. He struck out 10 batters, showcasing his elite command and power, adding another perfect game to the Yankees' storied pitching tradition.
Randy Johnson, known as 'The Big Unit,' threw a perfect game on May 18, 2004, for the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Atlanta Braves. His 100+ mph fastball overwhelmed the Braves' lineup, resulting in 10 strikeouts and a flawless performance in front of a passionate home crowd.
On May 1, 2005, Dontrelle Willis of the Florida Marlins threw a perfect game against the Cincinnati Reds. His unconventional delivery and unique pitching style complemented his ability to locate pitches precisely, resulting in a memorable 4-0 victory for the Marlins.
Mark Buehrle threw a perfect game for the Chicago White Sox on July 23, 2009, against the Tampa Bay Rays. Known for his consistency and reliability, Buehrle relied on precise placement and a deceptive changeup to achieve this rare milestone in his long career.
Dallas Braden pitched a perfect game for the Oakland Athletics on July 9, 2010, against the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite battling injury issues earlier in his career, Braden delivered a flawless performance, becoming one of the youngest pitchers to achieve this feat in decades.
Roy Halladay threw a perfect game for the Philadelphia Phillies on May 29, 2010, against the Florida Marlins. This achievement was particularly notable as it occurred just weeks after Halladay had pitched a no-hitter, making him one of only a few pitchers to accomplish both.
Philip Humber pitched a perfect game for the Chicago White Sox on April 21, 2012, against the Houston Astros. In a game that lasted just under two hours, Humber displayed remarkable focus and precision, retiring all 27 batters without incident.
Félix Hernández threw a perfect game for the Seattle Mariners on August 15, 2012, against the Tampa Bay Rays. Widely regarded as one of the finest perfect games ever witnessed, his performance included 14 strikeouts and complete dominance, earning him a standing ovation at T-Mobile Park.