No-Hitter

A no-hitter (also called a "no-no") is a game in which a team's pitching staff holds the opposing team hitless for the entire game (at least 9 innings). It's one of baseball's most celebrated pitching achievements.

No-Hitter Rules

For an official no-hitter:

• No hits allowed over at least 9 innings
• The game must be completed
• Walks, errors, and hit batters ARE allowed
• The pitching team must win (or the game goes to extras)

No-Hitter vs. Perfect Game

A no-hitter is not the same as a perfect game:

• No-hitter: No hits allowed (walks/errors okay)
• Perfect game: No baserunners at all (27 up, 27 down)

All perfect games are no-hitters, but not all no-hitters are perfect games.

Combined No-Hitters

When multiple pitchers combine to throw a no-hitter:

• Still counts as an official no-hitter
• Each pitcher gets credit for their hitless innings
• Becoming more common in the bullpen era

Famous No-Hitters

• Nolan Ryan: 7 career no-hitters (MLB record)
• Sandy Koufax: 4 no-hitters, including a perfect game
• Doc Ellis: Threw a no-hitter reportedly while on LSD
• Roy Halladay: Playoff no-hitter (2010 NLDS)

The Superstition

Baseball tradition says you NEVER mention a no-hitter in progress, doing so supposedly jinxes it. Players avoid the pitcher, and announcers often won't say "no-hitter" until it's complete.