1959
Haddix pitches 12 perfect innings, but loses
On this day in 1959, Harvey Haddix of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches 12 perfect innings against the Milwaukee Braves, only to lose the game on a two-run double by Braves? first baseman Joe Adcock in the 13th inning. It was the first time a pitcher threw more than nine perfect innings in major league history.
Harvey Haddix was a left-handed pitcher from Medway, Ohio. In his 13-year career he pitched for the Cardinals, Phillies, Reds, Pirates and Orioles. He was named to three All-Star games, won three Gold Glove Awards and Game 7 of the 1960 World Series for the Pirates over the favored New York Yankees, but it was his 12-inning perfect stretch that cemented his place in baseball history.
That day, Haddix dominated the game from the beginning. Thirty years later, he recalled his success: ?Every batter it was zip, zip?two strikes. I?ve had a lot better stuff than that night, but I?ve never had control like that.? Unfortunately for Haddix, Lew Burdette of the Braves matched him inning for inning on the scoreboard, pitching 12 scoreless innings (allowing 12 hits and two walks) to Haddix?s 12 perfect ones.
