Before Philip Humber, there was Lee Richmond.
Humber on Saturday became the 21st pitcher in major league history to throw a perfect game, blanking the Mariners at Safeco Field in Seattle. Baseball’s first perfect game, however, took place about 50 miles from Fenway Park.
Lee Richmond tossed the first perfect game in baseball history in Worcester, Mass., on June 20, 1880.
Richmond, who played six seasons, delivered the gem as a member of the Worcester Ruby Legs. The Toledo, Ohio, native shut down the Cleveland Blues, striking out five batters in the process.
Richmond allowed just three balls to leave the infield during that game at the Worcester Agricultural Fairgrounds, with one out recorded when the right fielder threw out a baserunner at first base. The Ruby Legs eventually won the game 1-0, and the only run to score came on an error.
The outing was the highlight of an eventful season for Richmond. He went 32-32 while appearing in a National League-leading 74 games. His ERA sat at 2.15, and he pitched an incredible 590 2/3 innings, which included 66 starts and 57 complete games.
Old baseball stats are the best.
Check out the scorecard from Richmond’s historic start in the photo below.
Click here to see a photo gallery of the pitchers who have thrown perfect games >>
Photo via Wikipedia.
