Cleveland Indians Bob Feller Pitches Opening Day No Hitter

There have been 294 no hitters in major league history, but only one was ever thrown on Opening Day. On this day in 1940, Cleveland Indians legend Bob Feller accomplished that feat.

Perhaps the greatest player in Cleveland Indians history, Bob Feller was a true legend. Possessing a blazing fastball and occasionally questionable command, Feller was a truly intimidating force on the mound. A strikeout artist beyond compare during his time, Feller was one of the greatest players to ever set foot on the diamond.

Feller also was known for his potential to throw a no hitter any time out. He accomplished the feat three times, but it was his first career no hitter that was truly memorable. It was on this day in 1940 where Feller threw the first, and thus far only, no hitter ever to happen on Opening Day.

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Facing off against Eddie Smith on a 47 degree day, the Indians needed Feller to be on top of his game. Both pitchers fired matching scoreless innings, with the White Sox having the best scoring opportunity of the early going when an error and two walks loaded the bases with two outs. However, Feller struck out Bob Kennedy to end the threat.

Cleveland got on the board in the top of the fourth. With one out, Jeff Heath singled, and scored on a two out triple off the bat of Rollie Hemsley. That would prove to be all the support that Feller would need, as he settled in from that point, allowing only a ninth inning walk after his earlier command issues.

That day, Feller issued five walks, but struck out eight batters to minimize that damage. He did need a bit of luck to complete the no hitter, as Luke Appling fouled off 15 pitches in one at bat, but failed to get a hit. The final out was recorded when Taffy Wright hit a sharp ground ball that second baseman Ray Mack made a stellar diving play to snare, throwing Wright out at first to preserve the gem.

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Eventually, another no hitter will be thrown on Opening Day. However, at least for now, Cleveland Indians legend Bob Feller has the first, and only, no hitter to start off a major league season.