MLB rookies to throw no-hitters
Throwing a no-hitter is hard enough for a crafty veteran. But doing it as a rookie? Well, that puts you into some of the most elite company in the game's history.
Only 25 big leaguers have accomplished the feat, and it's a wonder that the number is that large. It's tough enough to be pitching at big league parks for the first time against hitters you may have only ever seen before on TV.
The Angels' Reid Detmers, at just 22 years old, became the most recent member of the exclusive club in 2022 when he no-hit the Rays, a team he had never faced before, in his 11th career start. His was a unique feat in its own right -- he struck out just two batters, making him just the second pitcher in the last 42 seasons (joining Francisco Liriano in 2011) to total two or fewer K's in a no-hitter.
Here is the complete list of pitchers who, like Detmers, pulled off a no-no in their first year:
• Reid Detmers, May 10, 2022
Angels vs. Rays, 12-0 Coverage >
• Tyler Gilbert, Aug. 14, 2021
D-backs vs. Padres, 7-0 Coverage >
• Chris Heston, June 9, 2015
Giants at Mets, 5-0 Coverage >
• Clay Buchholz, Sept. 1, 2007
Red Sox vs. Orioles, 10-0
• Anibal Sanchez, Sept. 6, 2006
Marlins vs. D-backs, 2-0
• Bud Smith, Sept. 3, 2001
Cardinals at Padres, 4-0
• Jose Jimenez, June 25, 1999
Cardinals at D-backs, 1-0
• Wilson Alvarez, Aug. 11, 1991
White Sox at Orioles, 7-0
• Mike Warren, Sept. 29, 1983
Athletics vs. White Sox, 3-0
• Jim Bibby, July 30, 1973
Rangers at Athletics, 3-0
• Steve Busby, April 27, 1973
Royals at Tigers, 3-0
• Burt Hooton, April 16, 1972
Cubs vs. Phillies, 4-0
• Vida Blue, Sept. 21, 1970
Athletics vs. Twins, 6-0
• Don Wilson, June 18, 1967
Astros vs. Braves, 2-0
• Bo Belinsky, May 5, 1962
Angels vs. Orioles, 2-0
• Sam Jones, May 12, 1955
Cubs vs. Pirates, 4-0
• Bobo Holloman, May 6, 1953
Browns vs. Athletics, 6-0 (first career start)
• Bill McCahan, Sept. 3, 1947
Athletics vs. Senators, 3-0
• Vern Kennedy, Aug. 31, 1935
White Sox vs. Indians, 5-0
• Paul Dean, Sept. 21, 1934
Cardinals at Dodgers, 3-0
• Charlie Robertson, April 30, 1922
White Sox at Tigers, 2-0 (PG)
• Jeff Tesreau, Sept. 6, 1912
Giants at Phillies, 3-0
• Nick Maddox, Sept. 20, 1907
Pirates vs. Superbas, 2-1
• Christy Mathewson, July 15, 1901
Giants at Cardinals, 5-0
• Bumpus Jones, Oct. 15, 1892
Reds vs. Pirates, 7-1, 5-0