This Day in History: Don Larsen's Perfect Game in the 1956 World Series
On October 8th, 1956, pitcher Don Larsen stepped onto the mound of Yankee Stadium and threw history's only perfect game in a World Series. This impressive feat has been lauded by sportswriters, fans, and baseball players alike as one of the greatest accomplishments in baseball history. Let’s take a closer look at Don Larsen's perfect game.
From Mound to Plate
Larsen began his day with two quick outs to Brooklyn Dodgers outfielder Carl Furillo and catcher Roy Campanella. After walking Jackie Robinson, Larsen was able to get out of the first inning without allowing any runs. The second inning saw more of the same from Larsen—two quick outs followed by another walk. In the third inning, he struck out Pee Wee Reese for his fifth strikeout of the game and then proceeded to retire each batter he faced for the rest of the game.
The Final Out
In what is perhaps one of the most iconic moments in all of sports history, Larsen retired Dale Mitchell for the final out and secured his place in baseball lore forever. While there have been other perfect games thrown since then, none have ever been thrown in a World Series; this makes Larsen's achievement even more impressive and memorable. The entire stadium erupted as Larsen walked off after completing his perfect game; it was an emotional moment that still resonates loudly today amongst sports fans around the world.
The Aftermath
After finishing his perfect outing, Don Larsen became an instant celebrity overnight; he went from being an anonymous pitcher to appearing on magazine covers and tv shows across America. His performance also earned him some hardware; he was awarded both the World Series MVP award and Babe Ruth Award for his efforts that day at Yankee Stadium. Most importantly, however, is that it cemented his place in baseball history forever as one of only 23 players who have ever thrown a perfect game in Major League Baseball history—a feat that no one can ever take away from him no matter how much time passes by.
October 8th, 1956 will always be remembered by sports fans around the world as Don Larsen Day—the day when a single man accomplished something so incredible that it transcended sports and became part of popular culture lore forever. Even though 58 years have passed since this remarkable event happened, its memory lives on through memorabilia such as signed jerseys or autographed balls from collectors everywhere who recognize its importance in baseball’s long and storied history. It’s safe to say that Don Larson’s perfect game will live on forevermore!