The Fewest Pitches for a Perfect Game in MLB: A Comprehensive Analysis

In the realm of Major League Baseball (MLB), fewer pitches thrown in a perfect game are considered an extraordinary feat. A perfect game, achieved by no one other than a pitcher, is when every batter is retired without any hits, walks, errors, or any other balls put into play. This section provides an in-depth look at the fewest pitches thrown by pitchers to achieve a perfect game, highlighting significant records set by Lee Richmond and Philip Humber. We will also delve into the career of Addie Joss, a pitcher whose consistent excellence, despite limited seasons, ranks him second only to Ed Walsh in terms of ERA.

Record-Holding Performances

The fewest pitches thrown in a perfect game historically is 27, achieved by Lee Richmond on June 12, 1880. However, in the modern era, the record stands at 81 pitches, set by Philip Humber on April 21, 2012, showcasing significant advancements in pitching techniques and efficiency. These performances highlight the progression of skills in baseball over time and the remarkable consistency in pitching that is possible with such efficiency.

Addie Joss: An Early Excellence

Another notable figure in this journey is Addie Joss, whose remarkable pitching in the early 1900s remains a testament to his skill and consistency. Joss, playing for the Cleveland team, set the standard with a perfect game in 1908, facing the Baltimore White Sox. He recorded the lowest pitch count in a perfect game for the modern era, with a total of 74 pitches.

During this game, despite adding a single unearned run to his total, Joss's pitching outperformed that of his rival Ed Walsh, who had the same record-low pitch count. This game is particularly noteworthy because of Joss's ability to maintain such precise control and pitch count while facing a strong opponent. His 1.16 ERA for the season was praised by fans, who could hardly believe a pitcher would allow such few runs with such an inefficient pitch count. On the other hand, Joss's team managed a mere 13 runs in his 11 losses, an illustration of exceptional pitching at that time.

Consistent Excellence over Nine Seasons

Addie Joss's career is marked by his exceptional performance even in a limited span. Over nine seasons, Joss started 260 games and completed exactly 90 of them. He achieved a remarkable 24–11 record, walked only 30 batters in 325 innings, and pitched nine shutouts. Perhaps most impressively, he won the major leagues' ERA title with a microscopic 1.16.

His career ERA of 1.89 ranks second only to Ed Walsh, and his career WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) of 0.968 remains the best in history. Despite not reaching the required ten-season lifespan for induction, Joss was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1978 through a special resolution by the Hall's board. The decision was made due to the unprecedented achievements and the shortened timeframe of his career.

Impact and Legacy

The legacy of Addie Joss, Lee Richmond, and Philip Humber underscores the importance of precise and efficient pitching in MLB. While the physical fewer pitches required for a perfect game may vary over decades, the skill and consistency of these pitchers stand testament to their historic prowess.

Seasons after their achievements, baseball players still marvel at these records and strive to match or even improve upon them. The impact of their performances continues to inspire new generations of pitchers to refine their techniques and push the boundaries of what is possible in the modern game of baseball.