Alexander’s 41 Zeroes
As a 24-year-old rookie in 1911, right-hander Grover Cleveland Alexander set Phillies record that stood for 115 years. Four consecutive shutouts served as the basis for 41 consecutive scoreless innings.
The unbreakable record lasted until May 27, 2026, in San Diego when left-hander Cristopher Sánchez's 7 shutout innings extended his amazing scoreless streak to 44.2 innings. The 29-year-old Sanchez is in his sixth Phillies season.
While Alexander’s scoreless streak has ended, his 28 wins, 11 shutouts and 347 innings remain Phillies records for a rookie. Chances are those numbers will never be matched.
Alex’s Streak
September 4, 1st game, at Brooklyn . . . His 3rd straight loss, 6-2 final . . . Left game after giving up 3 runs in the bottom of the seventh. 5 total runs allowed (3 earned) in 7 innings.
September 7, 2nd game, at Boston . . . 1-0 win, 1 hit, 7 strikeouts . . . Losing pitcher, 44-year-old Cy Young. The Hall of Famer was in his final season.
September 13, vs. Brooklyn at Baker Bowl . . . 2-0 win, 4 hits, 2 walks, 8 strikeouts.
September 17, 1st game, at Cincinnati . . . 6-0 win, 5 hits, 2 walks, 6 strikeouts.
September 21, 1st game at Chicago . . . 4-0 win, 4 hits, 2 walks, 2 strikeouts.
September 24, at St. Louis . . . 8-2 win, Cardinals end the streak by scoring 1 run in the bottom of the sixth.
More Zeroes
During the 1916 season Alexander set a still-standing record with 16 shutouts. Twice he hurled three consecutive shutouts, yet another high-water mark.
Almost half of his 33 wins were shutouts of which four were one-hitters. The previous N.L. shutout record was 12 by him the previous season. RHP Jack Combs (Philadelphia Athletics) held the MLB record, 13, in 1910.
More shutout nuggets: Half came in cozy Baker Bowl … In four other wins, he allowed one run … Four times he was shut out … Four wins were 1-0 decisions, including a 12-inning game vs. Chicago. In that game he walked two batters intentionally in the bottom of the 12th to face the pitcher whom he struck out to end the game … Total innings pitched in the shutouts: 144. Total number of walks: 9.
So, how do four Phillies Hall of Fame pitchers stack up for most shutouts in a single season? Steve Carlton’s high was eight (1971); Jim Bunning, seven (1965); Robin Roberts, six (1951) and Roy Halladay, four (2010).
Career Zeroes
Alexander’s final Phillies numbers: 190-91, 2.12 ERA and 61 shutouts, a number that will never be touched. Carlton is second in shutouts (39).
At 42 and pitching for the Cardinals, he tossed four scoreless relief innings for the St. Louis, his 373rd win and his final game, August 9, 1929. Ironically, it was against the Phillies.
(Sources: Retrosheet/baseballreference.com)