The San Francisco Giants, one of Major League Baseball’s most storied franchises, have a rich history that includes several no-hitters. A no-hitter, where a pitcher or group of pitchers prevents the opposing team from achieving a single hit over the course of a game, is one of baseball’s most impressive feats. The Giants’ no-hitters span different eras and feature some of the game’s most legendary pitchers.
The Giants’ first recorded no-hitter was thrown by Christy Mathewson on July 15, 1901. Mathewson, one of baseball’s earliest stars and a Hall of Famer, led the Giants to a 5-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. His dominant performance set the stage for many more memorable moments in Giants’ pitching history.
Another legendary Giant, Carl Hubbell, added to the team’s no-hitter legacy on May 8, 1929. Hubbell, known for his remarkable screwball, pitched a no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates, solidifying his reputation as one of the era’s best pitchers. His no-hitter remains a significant part of Giants history and showcases the talent of early 20th-century pitchers.
Jim Maloney’s no-hitter on August 19, 1965, against the Houston Astros, is one of the most thrilling in Giants’ history. Maloney’s performance was notable not only for the no-hitter itself but also for the fact that it took 10 innings to complete. His stamina and skill were on full display as he secured a 1-0 victory, making it one of the most memorable no-hitters in baseball history.
Hall of Famer Juan Marichal added his name to the Giants’ no-hitter list on June 15, 1963. Marichal, one of the greatest pitchers of his generation, no-hit the Houston Colt .45s (now the Houston Astros) in a 1-0 win. His precise control and devastating pitches were instrumental in his historic performance, which remains a highlight of his illustrious career.
After a long gap, Jonathan Sanchez brought no-hitter glory back to the Giants on July 10, 2009, against the San Diego Padres. Sanchez’s performance was particularly emotional as his father watched him pitch a no-hitter for the first time. This game ended a 33-year no-hitter drought for the Giants and reenergized the fan base.
Tim Lincecum, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, etched his name in Giants’ history with two no-hitters against the San Diego Padres in 2013 and 2014. His first no-hitter came on July 13, 2013, and the second on June 25, 2014. Lincecum’s electric fastball and deceptive changeup were key to his dominance, making him the only Giant to achieve multiple no-hitters in modern times.
One of the most remarkable feats in Giants’ history is Matt Cain’s perfect game on June 13, 2012. Cain retired all 27 batters he faced against the Houston Astros, achieving perfection in a 10-0 victory. This perfect game is a pinnacle of pitching excellence and remains a defining moment in Cain’s career and Giants’ lore.
Chris Heston, a relatively unheralded pitcher, surprised everyone with a no-hitter on June 9, 2015, against the New York Mets. Heston struck out 11 batters and walked none, though he did hit three batters. His unexpected no-hitter added another chapter to the Giants’ rich history of pitching prowess.
The San Francisco Giants’ history of no-hitters is a testament to the franchise’s long-standing tradition of exceptional pitching. From the early days of Christy Mathewson and Carl Hubbell to the modern dominance of Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, these no-hitters highlight the remarkable talents that have donned the Giants’ uniform. Each no-hitter is a milestone that celebrates individual brilliance and contributes to the rich tapestry of Giants’ baseball history.