Something Special

Last night, Roy Halladay hurled the 20th perfect game in Major League history, just 19 days after the last perfect game by Dallas Braden.

Roy's dominating performance in Florida, 27 up, 27 down, earned him a huge ovation even though it wasn't his home ballpark. And could it happened to a more appropriate pitcher? Halladay's earned it. This season, his ERA has been 1.99 thus far, with just 1 bad outing versus the Boston Red Sox. He's already got 5 CGs under his belt, including a 3-hit shutout.

This man is only getting better. And though he is not pitching in Toronto anymore, Halladay is still one of the best in the majors. This is why it's even more a disappointment that he will not be returning to Toronto this year (series moved to Philadelphia).

Perfect games are beautiful things! Think about it. There have only been 20 in the over 100 year HISTORY of Major League Baseball. Yet, we've seen three in a short 10 month span. As well, there have already been 3 no hitters this season. Boy, is it ever an exciting time for pitchers!

I still remember how close Dustin McGowan came to a no-hitter on June 24, 2007 (see, I even remember the date). I'd been sitting on my couch the whole afternoon, watching the game. With no outs in the 9th, Jeff Baker of the Colorado Rockies lined a clean single to right field to break up the no-hit bid. That was pretty exciting. And like I've said on this blog before, I have a feeling a Blue Jay will toss a no-hitter this season. They've all been hot. Brett Cecil was perfect through 3 and 1/3 yesterday.

And what did I say about the Jays sweeping the Orioles?

-D