Historic Feats: Past, Present, And Future?

Forty-five years ago was the last Baltimore Orioles no-hitter.  (I do not count multi-pitcher games such as the July 13, 1991 Orioles game.)  The game pitched by Jim Palmer and caught by Ellie Hendricks was the last time my beloved Orioles had a no-hitter.  Since that time they have been no hit five times.

The game which included eight base runners, six by walk and two by fielding errors produced by Paul Blair, only one of two errors he would have on the season, and Bobby Floyd, which was an 8-0 shutout for the Orioles against the Oakland Athletics.

That season the Orioles would go on to the World Series that year, losing in five to the New York Mets, but coming back for their second World Series in five years the following season.

We all get to see Mr. Palmer on television and imagine what he is like in person, but I enjoyed the opportunity to meet him in June 2008 when my son was invited to come to batting practice.

Mr. Palmer was awesome with my five year old (then) lefty and while I am pretty sure that Dodge has no idea who he was with then I am pretty sure he knows who he was hanging with now.  Since that time Dodge has had the opportunity to throw four no hitters of his own, including a perfect game.  I realize recreational baseball is not the major leagues, but Jim Palmer pitched to his peers and Dodge pitched to his.

Either way, thanks for the inspiration Mr. Palmer and congratulations.  You were a gentleman on the mound for all those years and a gentleman since.  Here's hoping we don't have to wait on your protege to make the majors for our next no no, but if so, thanks for the inspiration then and now.