Are Johnny Vander Meer's back-to-back no-hitters baseball's most unmatchable feat?
On June 11, 1938, Johnny Vander Meer pitched a no-hitter against the Boston Bees at Crosley Field. Although special, no-no's aren't all that uncommon -- 279 have been thrown in baseball history. But then, four days later, the Reds southpaw did it again.
Babe Ruth and Jesse Owens were among the 38,748 in attendance at Ebbets Field as Vander Meer became the only pitcher to ever throw back-to-back no-hitters. This week marks the 75th anniversary of the double no-no's, which seem like one of those feats that will never be topped. How do you think Vander Meer's accomplishment compares to these other remarkable achievements?
Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hit streak -- no player has hit in more than 40 consecutive since Pete Rose's 44-gamer in 1978
Cal Ripken Jr. plays 2,632 consecutive games -- longest active is Prince Fielder with 407
Pete Rose's 4,256 career hits -- closest active is Derek Jeter with 3,304
Cy Young's 511 career wins -- closest active is Andy Pettitte with 250
Photo via sabr.org
Rickey Henderson's 1,406 career stolen bases -- closest active is Juan Pierre with 591
Four home runs in one game -- 16 players have accomplished this, with Josh Hamilton the most recent last season. Could anyone ever hit five?
-- Matt Monagan / MLB.com