Tom Seaver Finally Throws His No-Hitter

On June 16, 1978, Tom Seaver threw the only no-hitter of his career, blanking the St. Louis Cardinals 4-0 at Riverfront Stadium. He was 33 years old and in his twelfth major league season. The man widely regarded as the best pitcher of his generation had never thrown a no-hitter before that warm Friday evening in Cincinnati.

It was not for lack of trying. Seaver had thrown five one-hitters with the New York Mets, including two games where the only hit came in the ninth inning. Each near miss added to the narrative that a no-hitter might be the one accomplishment beyond his reach. He had three Cy Young Awards, 12 All-Star selections, and 211 career wins. He had everything except the no-hitter.

The Cardinals were the weakest team in the National League that season, and Seaver carved through their lineup with efficiency rather than dominance. He struck out only three batters and walked three. He retired the side in order in seven of the nine innings, generating 15 ground-ball outs and nine fly outs. His catcher was Don Werner, a light-hitting backup who filled in while Johnny Bench nursed an injury.

Seaver retired 19 consecutive batters before walking pinch-hitter Jerry Mumphrey to lead off the ninth, ending any chance at a perfect game. He gathered himself and got the next batter, Lou Brock to fly out to left. Garry Templeton grounded to shortstop Dave Concepcion, who forced Mumphrey at second. Then George Hendrick grounded softly to first baseman Dan Driessen, who stepped on the bag to end it.

The crowd of 38,216 roared. Seaver pumped his fist as teammates mobbed him at the mound. He had won his previous six starts with a 1.63 ERA coming in, and the no-hitter felt like the overdue completion of a Hall of Fame resume that already lacked nothing except this specific line.

Seaver finished the 1978 season 16-14 with a 2.88 ERA. He pitched until 1986, retiring with 311 wins and 3,640 strikeouts. The no-hitter remained his only one.