By William Coppola
When Doc Gooden threw his no-hitter on May 14, 1996 on a cool 58 degree night in the Bronx, he threw 134 pitches and you would have had to get ten US Marines to get him off the mound. When Sandy Koufax pitched his perfect game with 14 strike outs on September 9, 1965 at Dodger Stadium, Cubs pitcher Bob Hendley only gave up one hit and one run. The game time was 1:43. There were no bullpen dramatics nor any trips to the mound. By the way there were no recorded pitch counts then either.
The players today have doctors, massage therapists , physical trainers and all the most modern equipment in the world to keep them in top shape. Gosh I don’t think the starship Enterprise had equipment like they have in and outside a big league clubhouse. They keep themselves in great shape and have the financial means to hire people in the off season to keep them fit.
The bottom line is that we have lost a part of the game and will never observe the beauty of a no-hitter thrown by one pitcher over 9 innings. But alas all eyes are on the home run again this year so there is something to focus on. With over 30 homers hit on opening day, we are in for what should be a record setting year of trots around the bases. When players who average 12 homers a season are now hitting 25 dingers, either they are juiced or the ball is. Giancarlo Stanton averaged 29 home runs over his first 7 seasons. Last year he hit 59. A juiced up ball with no seams is another reason why no-hitters will be far and few between, whether it’s one pitcher or a combination of arms.
We have a better chance of seeing a dinosaur walking down Park Avenue than seeing a no-hitter thrown by one pitcher over 9 innings. Oh no, I have reached my ‘word count’ and am being removed so I don’t get carpal tunnel. Someone else is coming in now and will finish my rant…………………..
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