Earlier this season, Ubaldo Jimenez threw a No-Hitter which happened to be the first in Rockies history. Tonight against the Tigers, Matt Garza, the former Minnesota Twins player threw the first in Tampa Bay history.
Both were from clubs which I still consider in the new expansion era which encompasses the last twenty years to me (Rockies, Devil Rays, Marlins, Diamondbacks).
Now, we are left with two squads that have not thrown No-Hitters. They are the San Diego Padres (which is still believable) and the New York Mets. Within this article I will outright state why the New York Mets without a shadow of a doubt should have already left this list alone for the Padres.
Reason no.1: Nolan Ryan
Ryan’s stay wasn’t that long with the Mets, as he only pitched five seasons in New York and he truly didn’t develop until he hit the California Angels.
Still, Ryan is the All-Time leader in No-Hitters with seven. He pitched 27 seasons and had seven No-Hitters which averages out to just under every four years. He was in the NY for five, odds say he should have picked one up.
Reason no.2: Oh So Close with Great Pitchers
The New York Mets have thrown 33 one hitters. It might be a more impressive feat that a club has been able to go that long with so many one hit games and not throw a No-Hitter.
This is a club that had the great Tom Seaver that led them to the 1969 title. Their were the young studs at their respective times in Doc Gooden, Jerry Koosman and David Cone as well. Johan Santana as well is an arm that could be looked upon to deliver this feat.
Even if a great Met pitcher didn’t do it, one could believe an unknown would rise to the occasion. Half of the No-Hitters of recent memory have not been by All-Stars, but rather by obscure players or bottom of the rotation players who make their way into the record books.
Reason no.3: The Designated Hitter
Playing in the National league, at a minimum there is at least three extra bats a game your facing the pitcher instead of a position player. That’s a whole inning when you break it down. So many times pitchers lose it within the last inning. If we went strictly by the thought that it is your usual below .200 average pitcher at the plate, it would be reasonable to believe he would be a one of your three outs in the last inning.
Assuming of course, that your pitcher of record has not already given up three walks. Putting an ease on the pitcher as he attempts to finish his attempt.
Reason no.4: 49 Years of Attempts
Let’s look up the math on this quickly: The Mets have played 7,735 games over their history. Add in this current season 49th season and one can only wonder if the Cubs will win a title or the Mets will get a No-Hitter first. Going that long, you would have to figure that even in a crap shoot they would hit one time.
Reason no.5: Luck – Not on Their Side
This is the same Franchise that got a ball to roll between Bill Buckner’s legs to propel them to the 1986 title. Somehow, they got a monumental moment like that to occur; but a task that is done every year has been out their grasp for almost an half century.
They were able to pick up Mike Piazza when it looked like their were dark clouds over his movement from the Florida Marlins and that went fluidly. Both of their titles have come as surprises as well. Luck should run out sometime on this No-Hit wall and reality should kick in sometime on this run.
If the No-Hit pace continues as it has this season, it shouldn’t be too long until only the Padres are on this list. Or that the Mets are only on this list. That’s the intrigue of watching a No-Hitter or a Perfect Game being achieved; it can be their and gone with one slap of the bat.
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