What is the Record for Most Strikeouts in a Game?
The thrill of a baseball game is palpable, with the crack of the bat, the smell of hot dogs and popcorn, and the anticipation of a home run. But one statistic that can change the momentum of a game is the number of strikeouts a pitcher can accumulate. In this article, we’ll explore the record for most strikeouts in a game, and what makes it so impressive.
What is the Record?
The record for most strikeouts in a game is 21, set by Tom Cheney of the Baltimore Orioles in 1962. Cheney’s feat was achieved on September 12, 1962, against the Boston Red Sox at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland.
How Did He Do It?
Cheney’s record-breaking performance was no fluke. He was a power pitcher with a fastball that clocked in at over 100 miles per hour. He threw a complete game, striking out 21 batters in the process. The game was a pitchers’ duel, with the Orioles winning 2-1.
Breakdown of the Game
Here’s a breakdown of the game:
- Cheney’s Stats: 9 innings pitched, 2 earned runs, 2 hits, 1 walk, and 21 strikeouts.
- Red Sox’s Lineup: The Red Sox lineup featured future Hall of Famers Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Malzone, and Carl Furillo, as well as talented players like Frank Malzone and Felix Mantilla.
- Strikeout Victims: The 21 strikeouts included some of the best hitters in the American League, such as Yastrzemski (3 times), Malzone (2 times), and Furillo (twice).
Notable Achievements
Cheney’s record-breaking performance has several notable achievements:
- First 20-Strikeout Game: Cheney was the first pitcher to strike out 20 batters in a game, and he added one more to set the record.
- Consecutive Strikeouts: Cheney struck out 7 consecutive batters in the game, a feat that has only been matched a few times in MLB history.
- High-Strikeout Era: The 1960s were known for their high-strikeout era, with pitchers like Sandy Koufax, Jim Maloney, and Tom Cheney leading the way.
Other Notable Strikeout Performances
While Tom Cheney’s record remains the highest, there have been other notable strikeout performances in MLB history:
- Sandy Koufax: Koufax struck out 18 batters in a game on May 11, 1962, a record that stood for over 10 years.
- Jim Maloney: Maloney struck out 18 batters in a game on June 14, 1965, a feat that was achieved in the same season as Koufax’s record.
- Nolan Ryan: Ryan struck out 19 batters in a game on August 20, 1974, a record that still stands today.
Conclusion
Tom Cheney’s record of 21 strikeouts in a game is an impressive feat that has stood the test of time. His power pitching and ability to dominate some of the best hitters in the game are a testament to his skill and endurance. While other pitchers have come close to breaking the record, Cheney’s mark remains the highest in MLB history.
Additional Facts:
- Tom Cheney’s Career: Cheney played 10 seasons in the MLB, posting a 43-47 record with a 4.06 ERA.
- Cheney’s Post-Baseball Life: After his baseball career, Cheney went on to become a successful businessman and entrepreneur.
- Cheney’s Legacy: Cheney’s record-breaking performance has been recognized by the Orioles organization, which retired his number 24 jersey in 2013.
Table: Notable Strikeout Performances
| Pitcher | Team | Date | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Cheney | Baltimore Orioles | September 12, 1962 | 21 |
| Sandy Koufax | Los Angeles Dodgers | May 11, 1962 | 18 |
| Jim Maloney | Cincinnati Reds | June 14, 1965 | 18 |
| Nolan Ryan | California Angels | August 20, 1974 | 19 |
References:
- MLB.com: Tom Cheney’s record-breaking performance
- Baseball-Reference.com: Tom Cheney’s stats and career
- Sports Illustrated: Tom Cheney’s remarkable game
Note: The article is based on the information available up to date, and the record-breaking performance is based on the official MLB statistics.