Joe DiMaggio Announces Retirement from Major League Baseball
1951 · New York City, United States
Joe DiMaggio announces his retirement from Major League Baseball.
Don Larsen’s Perfect Game in the 1956 World Series
On October 8, 1956, Don Larsen of the New York Yankees achieved a remarkable feat in baseball history by pitching the only perfect game in World Series history. This historic event took place during Game 5 of the 1956 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers at Yankee Stadium.
Context and Build-Up
The Teams: The New York Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers were fierce rivals, having faced each other multiple times in the World Series during the 1950s. The 1956 World Series was a rematch of the previous year’s series, which the Dodgers had won.
Series Status: Going into Game 5, the series was tied 2-2, making this game pivotal for both teams.
Don Larsen: Prior to this game, Larsen was not considered a standout pitcher. In fact, he had been inconsistent, and his performance in Game 2 of the series was lackluster, leading to his early removal from the game.
The Perfect Game
Game Details: On October 8, 1956, Larsen took the mound for the Yankees. Over the course of the game, he faced 27 batters and retired each one without allowing a single baserunner. This means no hits, no walks, and no errors were committed by the Yankees’ defense.
Pitching Performance: Larsen’s performance was characterized by precise control and effective pitching, keeping the Dodgers’ hitters off balance throughout the game.
Final Out: The final out was recorded when Dodgers’ pinch-hitter Dale Mitchell was called out on strikes, sealing Larsen’s place in baseball history.
Aftermath and Significance
Historical Impact: Larsen’s perfect game remains the only one in World Series history and is one of only 24 perfect games in Major League Baseball history as of 2023.
Legacy: This achievement cemented Larsen’s legacy in baseball lore, and he was awarded the World Series Most Valuable Player Award for his performance.
Yankees Victory: The Yankees went on to win the 1956 World Series in seven games, adding to their storied history of success.
Don Larsen’s perfect game is celebrated as one of the greatest pitching performances in baseball history, a testament to the drama and unpredictability of the sport.