BD Hot Stove: No No-No No No No | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: No No-No No No No | Baseball Digest

This morning’s local paper had its daily “What do these three things have common?” sports trivia. In this case it was the names Hideo Nomo, Ramon Martinez and Kevin Gross. I correctly guessed that they were last three Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers to throw a no-hitter. It then got me thinking about the New York Mets.

It is remarkable, especially given the great pitchers the team has employed over the years, that the franchise has never had a no-hitter in their 49 year history. Among the greats and “very goods” that have donned the Mets uniform are Hall of Fame member Tom Seaver, Cy Young winners Doc Gooden, David Cone, Pedro Martinez, Johan Santana, Tom Glavine, Frank Viola, and Bret Saberhagen (albeit all but Gooden won the Cy Young with other teams), and steady throwers like Ron Darling, Al Leiter, Jon Matlack, Jerry Koosman, and Sid Fernandez.

Especially frustrating to Mets fans has to be the fact that several of their hurlers threw no-hitters once they left the Mets (Seaver, Cone (Perfect), and Gooden come to mind immediately). But although the Mets have gone the longest without ever recording a no-hitter, they are not alone in the goose egg department. The San Diego Padres have yet to record a hit-less ball game as well. Meanwhile, the Brewers, Blue Jays, and Rockies (in 2010) have just one apiece in their history.

There’s no rhyme or reason to who will throw a no-hitter either. Some of the greatest pitchers in baseball history have never thrown one, yet sub-par throwers like Joe Cowley have tossed, with a lot of walks, a no-no. Bobo Holloman threw a no-hitter in his first major league start and only had two more wins in his entire one year career.

So we present you with a list of the last no-hitter thrown by each team in major league baseball. The longest stretch? The Cleveland Indians who haven’t blanked a team’s hit column since Len Barker threw a perfect game in 1981.

National League

Arizona – Edwin Jackson 6/25/10 vs. Tampa

Atlanta – Kent Mercker 4/8/94 vs. LAD

Chicago – Carlos Zambrano 9/14/08 vs. Houston

Cincinnati – Tom Browning 9/16/88 vs. LAD

Colorado – Ubaldo Jimenez 4/17/10 vs. Atlanta

Florida – Anibal Sanchez 9/6/06 vs. Arizona

Houston – Roy Oswalt, Pete Munro, Kirk Saarloos, Brad Lidge, Octavio Dotel, Billy Wagner 6/11/03 vs. NYY

Los Angeles – Hideo Nomo 9/17/96 vs. Colorado

Milwaukee (while in AL) – Juan Nieves 4/15/87 vs. Baltimore

Philadelphia – Roy Halladay (ALDS) 10/6/10 vs. Cincannati; reg season – Halladay 5/29/10 vs. Florida

Pittsburgh – Francisco Cordova, Ricardo Rincon (1o IP) 7/12/97 vs. Houston

St. Louis – Bud Smith 9/3/01 vs. San Diego

San Francisco – Jonathan Sanchez 7/10/09 vs. San Diego

Washington (as Montreal) – Dennis Martinez (perfect) 7/28/91 vs. LAD

American League

Baltimore – Bob Milacki, Mike Flanagan, Mark Williamson, Greg Olson 7/13/91 vs. Oakland

Boston – Jon Lester 5/19/08 vs. Kansas City

Chicago – Mark Buehrle (perfect) 7/23/09 vs. Tampa Bay

Cleveland – Len Barker (perfect) 5/15/81 vs. Toronto

Detroit – Justin Verlander 6/12/07 vs. Milwaukee

Kansas City – Bret Saberhagen 8/26/91 vs. CHW

Los Angeles – Mark Langston, Mike Witt 4/11/90 vs. Seattle

Minnesota – Eric Milton 9/11/99 vs LAA

New York – David Cone (perfect) 7/18/99 vs. Montreal (WAS)

Oakland – Dallas Braden (perfect) 5/9/10 vs. Tampa Bay

Seattle – Chris Bosio 4/22/93 vs. Boston

Tampa Bay – Matt Garza 7/26/10 vs. Detroit

Texas – Kenny Rogers 7/28/94 vs. LAA

Toronto – Dave Stieb 9/2/90 vs. Cleveland

Oh, and why the multiple “No” in today’s title? What better way to pay homage to no-hitters then with George Thorogood and the Destroyers version of “Nobody But Me”? Enjoy and be sure to check out the latest hot stove news below the video.

Rumors, News, Transactions

SI's Jon Heyman has just reported that the Yankees and Andruw Jones have agreed to a one year, $2M deal with $1.2M in incentives.

The San Jose Mercury News is reporting that the Giants and Jeff Suppan are close to agreeing on a minor league deal.

The Hairston brothers are once again employed. The Mets made a nice signing by inking Scott Hairston and the Washington Nationals have added utility man Jerry Hairston Jr.

Eric Chavez isn’t calling it a career yet despite a series of back and shoulder issues. He reportedly worked out for the Dodgers.

The Royals have brought back Bruce Chen with a one year, $2M deal.

With Carl Pavano back in the fold, the final two spots in the Twins rotation will come down to a spring training battle between Brian Duensing, Kevin Slowey, and Nick Blackburn. My money is on the Duensing and Slowey.

The Diamondbacks have signed utility man Cody Ransom to a minor league deal.

The Daily Yankeeland - 5/15

WhoaWoe is us...seats have begun to be removed from the old Stadium. It's even difficult to say old and stadium in the same sentence (notice the case change too). WCBS radio's Tom Kaminski has added new pics of the deconstruction

The people have spoken...and won. Complaints about no access to field level areas has actually been heeded by the Yankees. After Lonn Trost's elitist statements of the other day, the Yankees have changed their policy regarding access to field areas. Autographs seekers are still screwed though unless they can get a player to the outfield fences.

Jim Leyritz has been released from the psychiatric unit of a Florida hospital.

Tyler Kepner of the Times has a nice feature on Yankees rookie catcher Francisco Cervelli.

The Metro North Station by the new Stadium is finally ready to open (kudos to my boy at Scott Proctor's Arm).

Yesterday, May 14, was the 13th anniversary of Doc Gooden's no-hitter vs. the Seattle Mariners. Sunday will be 10 years since David Wells' perfect game against the same Minnesota Twins.

Phil Coke is expected to be available for tonight's game after sitting out the last couple with an aching back.

The Daily Yankeeland - 9/24

Jon Heyman is reporting that the Steinbrenner boys have given Brian Cashman until next to decide if he wants to return to the Bronx.

Wade Boggs is among those are still very disappointed that Roger Clemens and Joe Torre were not part of Sunday's farewell festivities.

"When you look at what Joe Torre did with the Yankees - being a part of four championships - he was a part of it and so was Roger Clemens," said Boggs, who was signing copies of the 232-page "Yankee Stadium: The Official Retrospective" book for fans at Mickey Mantle's restaurant on Central Park South yesterday. "For what reason, I have no idea why they left them out. I don't know the mind-set of why they were left out. I did notice that Clemens wasn't in the collage of pictures and I don't know the speculation or reason behind it."

Read more...

If Mike Mussina wins his 20th on Sunday, he'll also tie Hall of Fame inductee Burleigh Grimes with 270 wins, 32nd base on the all-time list.

Phil Hughes will go after his first win once again this evening, in what has been a very disappointing season. The time off this season did allow Hughes to develop his cutter.

“It would be nice, but at the same time, I don’t think one win is really what I expected out of myself or anybody else expected,” said Hughes, who threw four innings in a no-decision last Wednesday. “I think it will still be, definitely, a negative year.”

Read more from Tyler Kepner and Michael S. Schmidt...

Another home run ball ownership controversy. This time it's Jose Molina's final Stadium blast.

"He couldn't get it through the net," Russo griped. "I'm the only one who had the ball."

Read more...

Mike Lupica throws some more dirt on the Yankees' grave.

Marty Noble of mlb.com looks back on a pair of players that had an affect on both New York stadiums - Darryl Strawberry and Doc Gooden.

Mariano Rivera was part of a contest, sponsored by Michael C. Fina, last week that gave a grand prize to a deserving recipient.

The Daily Yankeeland - 9/24

Jon Heyman is reporting that the Steinbrenner boys have given Brian Cashman until next to decide if he wants to return to the Bronx.

Wade Boggs is among those are still very disappointed that Roger Clemens and Joe Torre were not part of Sunday's farewell festivities.

"When you look at what Joe Torre did with the Yankees - being a part of four championships - he was a part of it and so was Roger Clemens," said Boggs, who was signing copies of the 232-page "Yankee Stadium: The Official Retrospective" book for fans at Mickey Mantle's restaurant on Central Park South yesterday. "For what reason, I have no idea why they left them out. I don't know the mind-set of why they were left out. I did notice that Clemens wasn't in the collage of pictures and I don't know the speculation or reason behind it."

Read more...

If Mike Mussina wins his 20th on Sunday, he'll also tie Hall of Fame inductee Burleigh Grimes with 270 wins, 32nd base on the all-time list.

Phil Hughes will go after his first win once again this evening, in what has been a very disappointing season. The time off this season did allow Hughes to develop his cutter.

“It would be nice, but at the same time, I don’t think one win is really what I expected out of myself or anybody else expected,” said Hughes, who threw four innings in a no-decision last Wednesday. “I think it will still be, definitely, a negative year.”

Read more from Tyler Kepner and Michael S. Schmidt...

Another home run ball ownership controversy. This time it's Jose Molina's final Stadium blast.

"He couldn't get it through the net," Russo griped. "I'm the only one who had the ball."

Read more...

Mike Lupica throws some more dirt on the Yankees' grave.

Marty Noble of mlb.com looks back on a pair of players that had an affect on both New York stadiums - Darryl Strawberry and Doc Gooden.

Mariano Rivera was part of a contest, sponsored by Michael C. Fina, last week that gave a grand prize to a deserving recipient.

What's up Doc?

12 years ago today, May 14, 1996, Dwight Gooden had his biggest moment as a Yankee, a no-hitter against the Seattle Mariners. Here's the NY Times recap of that night. YES will be showing the game on Yankees classics, Sunday at 1 p.m..

What's up Doc?

12 years ago today, May 14, 1996, Dwight Gooden had his biggest moment as a Yankee, a no-hitter against the Seattle Mariners. Here's the NY Times recap of that night. YES will be showing the game on Yankees classics, Sunday at 1 p.m..

The Daily Yankeeland

Can't say enough about what a great day yesterday was in Blacksburg, Virginia. The Yankees-Va Tech game was one sided, but the score didn't matter. Seeing Alex Rodriguez sitting in the Va Tech dugout, talking with the players. Joe Girardi sitting in the stands with the fans. Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon signing autographs until their hands practically fell off. A good day indeed. Click Here to see a photo gallery from the Journal News.

Kevin Kernan of the NY Post has a lengthy story on Doc Gooden's rise from the ashes. Doc is taking things one day a time. No more BS it would seem, just reality. Doc is helping his son Dwight Jr. get a rap career going. Sadly Dwight Jr. was in prison for selling drugs at the same time his Dad was in jail. Here's to a better life for both of them.

Jose Canseco loves to shoot his mouth off, but lets see what happens now when he meets with fed Jeff Novitzky about Roger Clemens reported steroid use.

Mariano Rivera threw 2 perfect innings yesterday against the Blue Jays Double-A affiliate, New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

The Daily Yankeeland

Can't say enough about what a great day yesterday was in Blacksburg, Virginia. The Yankees-Va Tech game was one sided, but the score didn't matter. Seeing Alex Rodriguez sitting in the Va Tech dugout, talking with the players. Joe Girardi sitting in the stands with the fans. Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon signing autographs until their hands practically fell off. A good day indeed. Click Here to see a photo gallery from the Journal News.

Kevin Kernan of the NY Post has a lengthy story on Doc Gooden's rise from the ashes. Doc is taking things one day a time. No more BS it would seem, just reality. Doc is helping his son Dwight Jr. get a rap career going. Sadly Dwight Jr. was in prison for selling drugs at the same time his Dad was in jail. Here's to a better life for both of them.

Jose Canseco loves to shoot his mouth off, but lets see what happens now when he meets with fed Jeff Novitzky about Roger Clemens reported steroid use.

Mariano Rivera threw 2 perfect innings yesterday against the Blue Jays Double-A affiliate, New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

5 Memorable Games vs. Mariners

October 8, 1995

After a playoff cancelling strike in 1994, the Yankees finally returned to October baseball for the first time in 14 years. After winning the 1st 2 games at home, the Bombers dropped 2 straight in Seattle to set up a 5th and decisive game.

David Cone, acquired earlier in the year from Toronto, faced off against fellow right-hander, Andy Benes. The Yankees built up a 4-2 lead on a HR by Paul O'Neill and a double by Don Mattingly. Cone pitched well, but ran out of gas in the 8th. After allowing a HR to Ken Griffey Jr., Cone loaded the bases with a pair of walks sandwiched around a base hit. Manager Buck Showalter had lost faith in closer John Wetteland, and kept Cone in the game. A young Mariano Rivera would have been a good choice as well, but Cone walked Doug Strange to force in the tying run. Showalter then summoned Rivera, who struck out Mike Blowers to end the inning.

The Yankees had one more chance for glory when Randy Velarde singled in the go-ahead run in the 11th, but Showalter stayed with Jack McDowell, a starter, who had come into the game in the 9th. Joey Cora bunted for a single and Jr. followed with a single to center. Professional hitter and Yankees killer Edgar Martinez then rapped a pitch into the left field corner. Jr. never stopped running and slid home, easily beating the relay throw to give the Mariners the division series championship.

The Yankees flight home was a long one as Yankee's captain Don Mattingly said good bye to the players as he knew he was retiring.

May 14, 1996

Dwight Gooden was attempting to resurrect his career in pinstripes instead of orange jumpsuits. His season had started out rocky, but he would master the Mariners on this night. Though he walked 6, Doc didn't allow a hit as another former Met pitched a no-no in another uniform.

As with any no-hitter, big defensive plays are needed and Gerald Williams made the play in this one. Starting in centerfield in place of Bernie Williams, "Ice" ran down a deep drive by the M's Alex Rodriguez in the 1st inning.

The game was tight throughout as former and future Yankee, Sterling Hitchcock, was finally tagged for 2 runs in the 6th. Tino Martinez and Jim Leyritz each picked up an RBI.

The 9th proved very dramatic as the ball club still had a game to win. A-Rod drew a lead-off walk, before Ken Griffey Jr. grounded out to to Tino. Gooden then walked Edgar Martinez, and followed that up with a wild pitch, to put the tying runs in scoring position.

With the bullpen working quickly to get ready, Gooden struck out Jay Buhner and got Paul Sorrento to pop out to Derek Jeter to preserve the no-no. The team carried a jubilant Doc off on their shoulders.

Gooden pitched under incredible stress that night as his father was undergoing open heart surgery the very next morning. Gooden brought him the baseball from the game as a memento.

One other piece of trivia - Robert Eenhoorn was the Yankee's starting 2nd Base that night.

October 4, 1995

With a win over Toronto on the final day of the regular season, Don Mattingly finally had his name removed from the list of the active players who had played the most regular season games without appearing in the post-season.

Mattingly gave the fans one to remember when he came up in the 6th inning. The place was already rocking after Ruben Sierra lead off the inning with a game tying solo HR. Mattingly followed with a blast into the right-center field bleachers off of Andy Benes that sent The Stadium into pandemonium.

Gary Thorne, who has become infamous of late for bloody or non-bloody socks, made the memorable HR call. "OH HANG ON TO THE ROOF...GOODBYE, HOME RUN! DON MATTINGLY!".

The lead exchanged hands twice more before heading off to extra innings. Finally, in the 15th inning, after 5 hours and 12 minutes of baseball, Jim Leyritz smacked a Tim Belcher delivery into the right-center bleachers for a game winning HR.

October 14, 2000

Roger Clemens' first post-season in NY was a forgettable one. He had been embarrassed in the ALCS when the Yankees went to Fenway and the Rocket had to square off against Pedro Martinez. Pedro had become the new hero of Boston, with the turncoat Clemens now a member of the hated Yankees. Clemens only lasted 1 batter into the 3rd that day and was on the wrong end of a 13-1 pasting. Clemens felt he hadn't contributed to the championship as much as he could have and 2000 was the time for redemption.

The Yankees lead the Mariners 2 games to 1, with Clemens facing Paul Abbott in game 4. Clemens was nearly unhittable. As a matter of fact, he had a no-hitter through 6. Left fielder Al Martin finally lead off the 7th with a double. It would be the only hit the Mariners would get all day.

Clemens walked two, struck out 15 and blanked the Mariners 5-0. The win put the Yankees up 3 games to 1 and they were well on their way to their 3rd straight WS championship.

October 17, 2000 (on my birthday!)

The Yankees lead the Mariners 3 games to 2 with a chance to finish off the 2000 ALCS in game 6. The Mariners had other ideas though. They knocked El Duque around and took a 4-3 lead into the 7th inning.

Lets backtrack a moment before going on. After blanking the Yankees in game 1, the Mariners John Halama and the M's bullpen was shutting out them out again in game 2. The Mariners brought in Arthur Rhodes and the Yankees promptly rallied for a 7-run 8th inning and a series tying victory.

The M's Jose Paniagua was protecting the lead as the Yankees came to bat in the 7th. Jose Vizcaino, who would be a WS hero, led off with an infield single. Chuck Knoblauch then successfully sacrificed him to 2nd. A Derek Jeter single to left put runners on the corners with one out. M's manager Lou Piniella went back to Rhodes to face lefty David Justice. Big mistake Sweet Lou.

Justice blasted a shot off the facing of the upper deck for a 3-run HR to put the Yankees ahead for good, 6-4. But the Yankees weren't done yet. Berne Williams followed with a single. Tino Martinez doubled. Then an intentional walk to Jorge Posada to load the bases. Setting up another lefty match up for Rhodes, who came out on the wrong end again. Paul O'Neill singled to right to score 2 more before Piniella finally came out to get Rhodes. Vizcaino, who started the rally, finished it with a sac fly to give the Yankees a 9-4 lead. They would need it.

The Mariners rallied for 3 runs off of El Duque and Mariano Rivera in the 8th inning, before Rivera struck out Jay Buhner, who represented the tying run. The run allowed by Mo snapped his 34 inning scoreless streak.

The M's tried one more time in the 9th. A-Rod on 2nd with 2 outs and the Yankees killer, Edgar Martinez at the plate. There would be no repeat of 1995 this time. Rivera retired him on a grounder to Jeter and the Yankees were AL champions.

5 Memorable Games vs. Mariners

October 8, 1995

After a playoff cancelling strike in 1994, the Yankees finally returned to October baseball for the first time in 14 years. After winning the 1st 2 games at home, the Bombers dropped 2 straight in Seattle to set up a 5th and decisive game.

David Cone, acquired earlier in the year from Toronto, faced off against fellow right-hander, Andy Benes. The Yankees built up a 4-2 lead on a HR by Paul O'Neill and a double by Don Mattingly. Cone pitched well, but ran out of gas in the 8th. After allowing a HR to Ken Griffey Jr., Cone loaded the bases with a pair of walks sandwiched around a base hit. Manager Buck Showalter had lost faith in closer John Wetteland, and kept Cone in the game. A young Mariano Rivera would have been a good choice as well, but Cone walked Doug Strange to force in the tying run. Showalter then summoned Rivera, who struck out Mike Blowers to end the inning.

The Yankees had one more chance for glory when Randy Velarde singled in the go-ahead run in the 11th, but Showalter stayed with Jack McDowell, a starter, who had come into the game in the 9th. Joey Cora bunted for a single and Jr. followed with a single to center. Professional hitter and Yankees killer Edgar Martinez then rapped a pitch into the left field corner. Jr. never stopped running and slid home, easily beating the relay throw to give the Mariners the division series championship.

The Yankees flight home was a long one as Yankee's captain Don Mattingly said good bye to the players as he knew he was retiring.

May 14, 1996

Dwight Gooden was attempting to resurrect his career in pinstripes instead of orange jumpsuits. His season had started out rocky, but he would master the Mariners on this night. Though he walked 6, Doc didn't allow a hit as another former Met pitched a no-no in another uniform.

As with any no-hitter, big defensive plays are needed and Gerald Williams made the play in this one. Starting in centerfield in place of Bernie Williams, "Ice" ran down a deep drive by the M's Alex Rodriguez in the 1st inning.

The game was tight throughout as former and future Yankee, Sterling Hitchcock, was finally tagged for 2 runs in the 6th. Tino Martinez and Jim Leyritz each picked up an RBI.

The 9th proved very dramatic as the ball club still had a game to win. A-Rod drew a lead-off walk, before Ken Griffey Jr. grounded out to to Tino. Gooden then walked Edgar Martinez, and followed that up with a wild pitch, to put the tying runs in scoring position.

With the bullpen working quickly to get ready, Gooden struck out Jay Buhner and got Paul Sorrento to pop out to Derek Jeter to preserve the no-no. The team carried a jubilant Doc off on their shoulders.

Gooden pitched under incredible stress that night as his father was undergoing open heart surgery the very next morning. Gooden brought him the baseball from the game as a memento.

One other piece of trivia - Robert Eenhoorn was the Yankee's starting 2nd Base that night.

October 4, 1995

With a win over Toronto on the final day of the regular season, Don Mattingly finally had his name removed from the list of the active players who had played the most regular season games without appearing in the post-season.

Mattingly gave the fans one to remember when he came up in the 6th inning. The place was already rocking after Ruben Sierra lead off the inning with a game tying solo HR. Mattingly followed with a blast into the right-center field bleachers off of Andy Benes that sent The Stadium into pandemonium.

Gary Thorne, who has become infamous of late for bloody or non-bloody socks, made the memorable HR call. "OH HANG ON TO THE ROOF...GOODBYE, HOME RUN! DON MATTINGLY!".

The lead exchanged hands twice more before heading off to extra innings. Finally, in the 15th inning, after 5 hours and 12 minutes of baseball, Jim Leyritz smacked a Tim Belcher delivery into the right-center bleachers for a game winning HR.

October 14, 2000

Roger Clemens' first post-season in NY was a forgettable one. He had been embarrassed in the ALCS when the Yankees went to Fenway and the Rocket had to square off against Pedro Martinez. Pedro had become the new hero of Boston, with the turncoat Clemens now a member of the hated Yankees. Clemens only lasted 1 batter into the 3rd that day and was on the wrong end of a 13-1 pasting. Clemens felt he hadn't contributed to the championship as much as he could have and 2000 was the time for redemption.

The Yankees lead the Mariners 2 games to 1, with Clemens facing Paul Abbott in game 4. Clemens was nearly unhittable. As a matter of fact, he had a no-hitter through 6. Left fielder Al Martin finally lead off the 7th with a double. It would be the only hit the Mariners would get all day.

Clemens walked two, struck out 15 and blanked the Mariners 5-0. The win put the Yankees up 3 games to 1 and they were well on their way to their 3rd straight WS championship.

October 17, 2000 (on my birthday!)

The Yankees lead the Mariners 3 games to 2 with a chance to finish off the 2000 ALCS in game 6. The Mariners had other ideas though. They knocked El Duque around and took a 4-3 lead into the 7th inning.

Lets backtrack a moment before going on. After blanking the Yankees in game 1, the Mariners John Halama and the M's bullpen was shutting out them out again in game 2. The Mariners brought in Arthur Rhodes and the Yankees promptly rallied for a 7-run 8th inning and a series tying victory.

The M's Jose Paniagua was protecting the lead as the Yankees came to bat in the 7th. Jose Vizcaino, who would be a WS hero, led off with an infield single. Chuck Knoblauch then successfully sacrificed him to 2nd. A Derek Jeter single to left put runners on the corners with one out. M's manager Lou Piniella went back to Rhodes to face lefty David Justice. Big mistake Sweet Lou.

Justice blasted a shot off the facing of the upper deck for a 3-run HR to put the Yankees ahead for good, 6-4. But the Yankees weren't done yet. Berne Williams followed with a single. Tino Martinez doubled. Then an intentional walk to Jorge Posada to load the bases. Setting up another lefty match up for Rhodes, who came out on the wrong end again. Paul O'Neill singled to right to score 2 more before Piniella finally came out to get Rhodes. Vizcaino, who started the rally, finished it with a sac fly to give the Yankees a 9-4 lead. They would need it.

The Mariners rallied for 3 runs off of El Duque and Mariano Rivera in the 8th inning, before Rivera struck out Jay Buhner, who represented the tying run. The run allowed by Mo snapped his 34 inning scoreless streak.

The M's tried one more time in the 9th. A-Rod on 2nd with 2 outs and the Yankees killer, Edgar Martinez at the plate. There would be no repeat of 1995 this time. Rivera retired him on a grounder to Jeter and the Yankees were AL champions.