New York Yankees

New York Yankees History: Don Larsen Pitches Perfect Game

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

There have been a number of excellent performances throughout the history of the MLB postseason. One of the greatest performances happened on this day in 1956, when New York Yankees pitcher Don Larsen fired a perfect game against the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Don Larsen was a journeyman pitcher for much of his career, pitching for seven different teams in his 14 year career. He never won more than 11 games in a season, and finished his career with an 81-91 record. Larsen was, quite simply, a generally average pitcher who would typically not appear destined to be remembered in MLB history.

Larsen, however, changed that expectation with one of the greatest performances in postseason history. His first start of the World Series that year for the New York Yankees, coming in Game Two, was a disaster, as he allowed four unearned runs in 1.2 innings of work. The Dodgers would win that game 13-8, and took what seemed to be a commanding 2-0 lead.

After the Yankees came back to win the next two games to tie the series, they found themselves in a pivotal Game Five. Again, Larsen took the mound, hoping to erase the memories of his previous outing. He certainly did just that, as on this day in 1956, Larsen pitched the first perfect game in postseason history.

More from Call to the Pen

Given his struggles the first time he faced the Dodgers during the series, he tried something different, pitching entirely out of the stretch. Although the Dodgers hit a few balls hard, that change befuddled their lineup, as Larsen continued to shut them down.

Perhaps the biggest threat came in the top of the fifth inning. Gil Hodges hit a long fly ball to what was known as “Death Valley” in left center, a place where fly balls went to die. This one appeared for a moment that it would elude capture, until Mickey Mantle chased down the drive, snaring it with a running catch to preserve the perfect game.

We all remember how that outing ended. Larsen struck out pinch hitter Dale Mitchell to end the game. Yogi Berra ran from behind the plate and leapt into Larsen’s arms, celebrating as he threw the sixth perfect game, and the only perfect playoff game, in MLB history. Meanwhile, Sal Maglie, who took the loss, only gave up two runs on five hits in a strong outing of his own.

Don Larsen went from a non-descript middling pitcher to an MLB legend on this day in 1956. This performance, which helped the New York Yankees win the championship, would earn Larsen the World Series MVP award and ensure his place in history.

This article originally appeared on