A no-hitter is one of the most impressive accomplishments in Major League Baseball. It is a game in which no opposing team batter reaches base on hits. No-hitters are rare and exciting feats that can be remembered for a lifetime. In this article, we will take a look at how a no-hitter works and the rules behind it.
Definition of a No-Hitter
A no-hitter is defined as a game in which no opposing team batter reaches base on hits. This means that any hits, walks, or errors that would have allowed the batter to reach base are taken away. The only way a batter can reach base is through a fielder’s choice, a wild pitch, or a passed ball. Also, if a runner is forced out at any base, the batter is not credited with a hit.
Eligible Pitchers
In order to be eligible for a no-hitter, a pitcher must throw at least nine innings. The pitcher must also pitch the entire game, meaning that no relief pitchers can be used. If a relief pitcher is used, the pitcher must have pitched at least five innings to be eligible for a no-hitter.
Scoring
In order to be credited with a no-hitter, the pitcher must not allow any batters to reach base on hits. The score of the game at the end of the game does not matter. All that matters is that no opposing team batter was able to reach base on a hit.
Other Rules
There are a few other rules that must be followed in order for a no-hitter to be considered official. The game must go at least nine innings, or eight and a half innings if the home team is ahead. The game must also go a full nine innings if the no-hitter is broken up in the ninth inning.
History of No-Hitters
No-hitters are rare feats that are remembered for a lifetime. The first no-hitter in Major League Baseball was thrown by George Bradley of the St. Louis Brown Stockings on July 15, 1876.
Since then, there have been over 300 no-hitters thrown in Major League Baseball. Of those, 20 have been perfect games, in which no opposing team batter reached first base.
Notable No-Hitters
There have been some notable no-hitters thrown throughout baseball history. One of the most famous no-hitters was thrown by Don Larsen of the New York Yankees in the 1956 World Series. Larsen’s perfect game is the only one ever thrown in a World Series.
Another notable no-hitter was thrown by Nolan Ryan of the California Angels in 1973. Ryan’s no-hitter was the first of seven he would throw in his career, which is an MLB record.
Conclusion
No-hitters are one of the most impressive feats in Major League Baseball. They are rare occurrences that can be remembered for a lifetime. In this article, we have taken a look at how a no-hitter works and the rules behind it. We have also looked at the history of no-hitters and some of the most memorable no-hitters in baseball history.