The answer is 24 perfect games across 143+ years of Major League Baseball. From the dominance of the New York Yankees to historic moments like Matt Cain's masterpiece, these performances represent baseball's pinnacle. Legendary perfect game pitchers include David Cone (New York Yankees, 1999) and Matt Cain (San Francisco Giants, 2012).
The Chicago White Sox and Oakland Athletics are tied for the most MLB perfect games with three each. The most recent was thrown by Domingo Germán on June 28, 2023, and as of November 2025, over two years have passed without another.
KEY STATISTIC: 24 perfect games in 143+ years—from Lee Richmond (1880) to Domingo Germán (2023)
What is a Perfect Game in Baseball?
Definition and Requirements
A perfect game requires a pitcher to retire all 27 batters in a nine-inning game without allowing anyone to reach base. This means no hits, walks, hit-by-pitches, or fielding errors.
Unlike a no-hitter, where baserunners can reach on errors or walks, a perfect game demands absolute precision. The pitcher must maintain an impeccable strikeout-to-walk ratio through 27 consecutive outs over approximately 100-130 pitches.
Key Requirements
- 27 consecutive outs
- No hits allowed
- No walks or hit-by-pitches
- No defensive errors
With only 24 recorded in history, this remains baseball's most difficult individual achievement.
Difference Between a No-Hitter and a Perfect Game
A no-hitter allows batters to reach base through errors, hit-by-pitches, or walks—just no official hits. A perfect game means retiring all 27 batters without allowing anyone on base through any means.
Matt Cain threw a perfect game for the San Francisco Giants in 2012, while many pitchers have thrown no-hitters with walks allowed.
How Rare Are Perfect Games?
Statistical Breakdown
Since 1880, there have been exactly 24 perfect games across over 200,000 MLB games—roughly one every 8,300 games (0.012% occurrence rate).
The fewest pitches thrown was 74 by Addie Joss (1908), while Matt Cain threw 125 (2012). A theoretical 27-pitch perfect game has never occurred and is virtually impossible.
Avoiding base on balls (walks) is critical—every perfect game in history has featured zero walks, making control more important than velocity. Certain ballparks have hosted multiple perfect games, with Yankee Stadium witnessing four of the 24, the most of any venue in baseball history.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 24 perfect games in history
- 200,000+ total games played
- 0.012% occurrence rate
- Fewest pitches: 74 (Joss, 1908)
- Most pitches: 125 (Cain, 2012)
Perfect game prop bets typically range from 10,000-1 to 25,000-1 odds.
Key Historical Moments
The New York Yankees have the most perfect games with four, including David Cone's 1999 masterpiece on Yogi Berra Day and Don Larsen's 1956 World Series gem—the only postseason perfect game ever.
Matt Cain's 2012 perfect game for the San Francisco Giants (game score 101) ranks among the best ever.
What Is More Rare Than a Perfect Game?
Rarity Comparison
- Unassisted triple plays: 15 in history
- Four home run games: 18 in history
- Perfect games: 24 in history
- Postseason perfect games: 1 (Larsen, 1956)
- 27-pitch perfect game: 0 (impossible)
For bettors, these ultra-rare events carry astronomical odds but understanding their frequency compared to perfect games can inform how to evaluate exotic prop bets and long-shot parlays in baseball betting markets. An immaculate inning (nine pitches, nine strikes, three strikeouts) has occurred over 100 times, making it far more common than perfect games despite being a remarkable pitching feat.
Last Perfect Game in MLB
Recent Perfect Game Highlights
Domingo Germán of the New York Yankees threw the most recent perfect game on June 28, 2023, defeating the Oakland Athletics 11-0. This made the Yankees the only franchise with four perfect games.
Germán's precision and dominance echoed legendary feats from past pitchers, reinforcing how rare perfection is in major league history. With approximately 200,000 games played in MLB history, just 24 perfect games have been recorded, proving that achieving perfection remains baseball's ultimate individual accomplishment.
As of November 2025, no perfect game has occurred in over two years.
Longest Gaps Between Perfect Games
Three Major Droughts
- 1922-1956: 34 years
- 1968-1981: 13 years
- 2012-2023: 11 years
Changes in pitching strategies and offensive approaches contribute to these gaps.
Has there ever been a 28 out perfect game?
Technically no. Perfect games are defined as 27 outs. However, 13 pitchers have recorded 26 outs before losing perfection with just one out remaining, leading fans to call these "28-out perfect games" in recognition of how close they came.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking moment in baseball occurred when Armando Galarraga of the Detroit Tigers was robbed of perfection by a blown call. Umpire Jim Joyce incorrectly ruled a runner safe at first base with two outs in the ninth inning, turning what should have been the 21st perfect game into a heartbreaking near-miss. Joyce tearfully apologized after the game, and many consider it a "moral perfect game."
Near-Perfect Games: One Out Away
Has there ever been a 28 out perfect game? Technically no. Perfect games are defined as 27 outs. However, 13 pitchers have recorded 26 outs before losing perfection with just one out remaining, leading fans to call these "28-out perfect games" in recognition of how close they came.
Throughout MLB history, 13 pitchers recorded 26 outs before losing their perfect game bid.
The most infamous: Armando Galarraga (2010) was robbed by umpire Jim Joyce's blown call with two outs in the ninth. Many consider it a "moral perfect game."
Famous Near-Misses
- Armando Galarraga (2010): Blown call
- Mike Mussina (2001): Pinch-hit single
- Yu Darvish (2013): Grounder through legs
- Max Scherzer (2015): Hit-by-pitch controversy
From a betting perspective, these moments are particularly dramatic. Live odds shift dramatically as a perfect game progresses, with odds compounding significantly with two outs in the ninth inning. A pitcher who has retired 26 consecutive batters might see perfect game odds shift from 10,000-1 before the game to even money with one out remaining.
Famous Pitchers Who Achieved Perfect Games
Legendary Performances
- Cy Young threw the first modern perfect game (1904) for the Boston Americans. His 511 career wins remain unmatched, and the Cy Young Award bears his name as baseball's premier pitching honor.
- Sandy Koufax (1965, Dodgers) delivered 14 strikeouts in the first night game perfect game, cementing his Hall of Fame legacy. His dominance throughout the 1960s made him one of the most feared left-handers in baseball history.
- Randy Johnson became the oldest at 40 (2004, Diamondbacks), throwing 100+ mph with a devastating slider. His imposing 6'10" frame and power left-handed delivery terrorized hitters throughout his career.
- Don Larsen remains the only pitcher to throw a perfect game in the World Series (1956, Yankees). His Game 5 performance against the Brooklyn Dodgers stands as baseball's most pressure-packed perfect game.
- Roy Halladay (2010, Phillies) threw a perfect game AND playoff no-hitter the same year—the only pitcher ever to accomplish both. His tragic death in 2017 made his accomplishments even more poignant to baseball fans.
- David Wells (1998, Yankees) wore Babe Ruth's cap during warmups before his perfect game, adding to Yankee Stadium's rich history of perfection.
While debates about baseball's greatest pitcher continue, most historians consider Cy Young's 511 wins, Walter Johnson's strikeout dominance, Sandy Koufax's peak performance, and modern greats like Pedro Martínez among the top contenders.
Notably absent from this list is Nolan Ryan, who despite seven no-hitters and 5,714 career strikeouts, never achieved a perfect game due to control issues (2,795 career walks).
HALL OF FAME PERFECT GAMES:
- Cy Young (1904);
- Addie Joss (1908);
- Jim Bunning (1964);
- Sandy Koufax (1965);
- Catfish Hunter (1968);
- Randy Johnson (2004);
- Roy Halladay (2010);
Surprising Perfect Games
Dallas Braden (2010, Athletics) shocked the world on Mother's Day with a modest career record. His grandmother, who raised him after his mother's death, was in attendance, creating one of baseball's most emotional perfect games. Braden had just a 26-36 career record at the time.
Philip Humber (2012, White Sox) achieved perfection despite career inconsistency and a 5.31 ERA entering the game. His final out on a dropped third strike remains one of the most dramatic and unusual endings to a perfect game in MLB history.
Len Barker (1981, Indians) was another unexpected gem from a solid but unspectacular pitcher. Pitching in cold, rainy conditions in Cleveland, he struck out 11 batters and proved that perfect games can come from anywhere on any given day.
Did Nolan Ryan Ever Pitch a Perfect Game?
No. Despite seven no-hitters (MLB record) and 5,714 career strikeouts, Nolan Ryan never threw a perfect game. He walked 2,795 batters—the most in history—preventing perfection.
His fastball likely reached 108+ mph, but control issues kept him from this milestone.
NOLAN RYAN:
- 0 perfect games
- 7 no-hitters
- 5,714 strikeouts
- 2,795 walks
- ~108 mph fastball
Who Is the Fastest Pitcher of All Time?
The title of fastest pitcher remains debated due to evolving measurement technology. Nolan Ryan is widely considered to have thrown the fastest pitch ever, estimated at 108.1 mph in 1974, though precise radar measurement wasn't available. Modern measurements confirm Ben Joyce threw 106.0 mph in 2024, the fastest recorded with current technology.
Aroldis Chapman held the modern record at 105.8 mph (2010 and 2024), while Jordan Hicks reached 105.1 mph in 2018. However, none of these flame-throwers have achieved a perfect game, proving velocity alone doesn't guarantee perfection—control and strategy matter more.
Fastest Pitchers and Perfect Games
Randy Johnson threw 100+ mph at age 40 during his perfect game. However, modern pitchers with higher velocity haven't necessarily had more success.
Fastest Recorded Pitches:
| Pitcher | Velocity | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Joyce | 106.0 mph | 2024 |
| Aroldis Chapman | 105.8 mph | 2024 |
| Jordan Hicks | 105.1 mph | 2018 |
| Nolan Ryan | ~108 mph | 1970s |
Felix Hernández's 2012 perfect game proved command matters more than speed. Control trumps velocity.
Complete List of All 24 Perfect Games
| # | Date | Pitcher | Team | Opponent | Score | K's | Notable Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 12, 1880 | Lee Richmond | Worcester | Cleveland | 1-0 | 5 | First ever |
| 2 | June 17, 1880 | John Ward | Providence | Buffalo | 5-0 | 5 | 5 days later |
| 3 | May 5, 1904 | Cy Young | Boston | Philadelphia | 3-0 | 8 | First modern era |
| 4 | Oct 2, 1908 | Addie Joss | Cleveland | Chicago WS | 1-0 | 3 | Fewest pitches (74) |
| 5 | April 30, 1922 | Charlie Robertson | Chicago WS | Detroit | 2-0 | 6 | 4th career start |
| 6 | Oct 8, 1956 | Don Larsen | NY Yankees | Brooklyn | 2-0 | 7 | Only World Series |
| 7 | June 21, 1964 | Jim Bunning | Philadelphia | NY Mets | 6-0 | 10 | Father's Day |
| 8 | Sept 9, 1965 | Sandy Koufax | LA Dodgers | Chicago Cubs | 1-0 | 14 | First night game |
| 9 | May 8, 1968 | Catfish Hunter | Oakland | Minnesota | 4-0 | 11 | First AL in 46 years |
| 10 | May 15, 1981 | Len Barker | Cleveland | Toronto | 3-0 | 11 | Ended 13-year drought |
| 11 | Sept 30, 1984 | Mike Witt | California | Texas | 1-0 | 10 | Final day of season |
| 12 | Sept 16, 1988 | Tom Browning | Cincinnati | LA Dodgers | 1-0 | 7 | Only Reds perfecto |
| 13 | July 28, 1991 | Dennis Martínez | Montreal | LA Dodgers | 2-0 | 5 | First Latin pitcher |
| 14 | July 28, 1994 | Kenny Rogers | Texas | California | 4-0 | 8 | First AL lefty |
| 15 | May 17, 1998 | David Wells | NY Yankees | Minnesota | 4-0 | 11 | Wore Ruth's cap |
| 16 | July 18, 1999 | David Cone | NY Yankees | Montreal | 6-0 | 10 | Yogi Berra Day |
| 17 | May 18, 2004 | Randy Johnson | Arizona | Atlanta | 2-0 | 13 | Oldest (40) |
| 18 | July 23, 2009 | Mark Buehrle | Chicago WS | Tampa Bay | 5-0 | 6 | After 2007 no-hitter |
| 19 | May 9, 2010 | Dallas Braden | Oakland | Tampa Bay | 4-0 | 6 | Mother's Day |
| 20 | May 29, 2010 | Roy Halladay | Philadelphia | Florida | 1-0 | 11 | Plus playoff no-hitter |
| 21 | April 21, 2012 | Philip Humber | Chicago WS | Seattle | 4-0 | 9 | Dropped 3rd strike |
| 22 | June 13, 2012 | Matt Cain | SF Giants | Houston | 10-0 | 14 | Most pitches (125) |
| 23 | Aug 15, 2012 | Felix Hernández | Seattle | Tampa Bay | 1-0 | 12 | 3rd vs Rays in 3 years |
| 24 | June 28, 2023 | Domingo Germán | NY Yankees | Oakland | 11-0 | 9 | Ended 11-year drought |
Teams with Most:
- Yankees (4)
- White Sox (3)
- Athletics (3)
Most Common Victims: Tampa Bay Rays (3)
What Is MVR in Baseball?
MVR stands for Mound Visits Remaining—how many times a team can visit the pitcher's mound without requiring a pitching change. Each team gets five visits in nine-inning games. Exceeding this limit requires pitcher removal unless injury occurs.
Strategies for Achieving a Perfect Game
Mastering Pitch Control
Achieving a perfect game requires exceptional accuracy and strategic execution. Effective pitchers mix fastballs, sliders, changeups, and curveballs to keep hitters off-balance.
Pitchers must also avoid illegal pitches like balks, which can ruin a perfect game by allowing baserunners. Understanding pitch mechanics and what constitutes a balk in baseball is crucial for maintaining control throughout nine innings.
Matt Cain's 2012 perfect game showcased variety, while Domingo Germán's 2023 perfecto featured a dominant slider. Command matters more than raw stuff.
Betting Tip: Key Pitcher Metrics
- ERA under 3.00
- WHIP under 1.00
- K/BB ratio above 4.0
- High ground ball percentage
Mental and Physical Preparation
Achieving a perfect game demands mental resilience and peak conditioning. Pitchers must handle pressure, block distractions, and stay composed as the game progresses.
From the Worcester Ruby Legs era to modern times, pitchers who achieved this feat demonstrated elite mindsets. They push past fatigue in later innings when every at-bat becomes a threat.
Perfect Games and Betting Implications
Perfect games represent one of baseball's most intriguing betting propositions.
Perfect Game Prop Bets: Odds typically range from 10,000-1 to 25,000-1. With 0.012% occurrence rate (one per 8,300 games), these are true long shots.
Indicators to Watch:
- Pitcher's recent form (ERA under 2.00)
- Opponent's offensive weakness
- Weather conditions (heavy air favors pitchers)
- Pitcher-friendly ballpark
Live Betting: As a perfect game progresses, odds shift dramatically—from 10,000-1 to even money with two outs in the ninth.
Related Markets: Pitcher strikeout props • Total runs under • First five innings moneyline
While perfect games are thrilling to bet on, their extreme rarity makes them poor primary betting targets. Responsible bettors should focus on using perfect game analysis to inform pitcher performance props and team totals rather than chasing 10,000-1 long shots. Analyzing a pitcher's win-loss record over their last five starts provides crucial context for overall form.
For comprehensive MLB betting coverage, PLG.BET offers real-time odds tracking, pitcher analytics, and in-game markets. With fast payouts and competitive odds on exotic props, bettors can leverage statistical insights to identify value in pitcher performances.
Conclusion
A perfect game remains one of baseball's most extraordinary feats—a testament to skill, focus, and endurance. With over two years since Domingo Germán's June 2023 achievement, the baseball world awaits the next occurrence.
The rarity—24 perfect games across 143+ years and 200,000+ MLB games—ensures that whenever the next one occurs, it will captivate fans worldwide. Understanding perfect game dynamics enhances appreciation for pitcher performance and informs strategic betting decisions.
Perfect games represent just one of many fascinating baseball facts that make the sport endlessly captivating. From statistical anomalies to historic achievements, baseball's rich history continues to produce moments that defy expectations.
