Dodgers History: Sandy Koufax Pitches Perfect Game
By David Hill
During the early to mid 1960’s, few pitchers were in the same class as Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Sandy Koufax. On this day in 1965, he added to his legacy when he pitched a perfect game against the Chicago Cubs.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, during the mid 1960’s, were known for their pitching, defense, and minimal offensive production. All of those elements were on display on this day in 1965, when Sandy Koufax fired his record setting fourth no hitter, and the eighth perfect game in MLB history.
In that game, there was a total of one hit, as Bob Hendley also shut down the Dodgers offense. Hendley allowed only one hit, a seventh inning double by Lou Johnson, and a pair of walks, but still took the loss as Koufax was even better.
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Both pitchers were perfect into the bottom of the fifth. Hendley faltered first, walking Johnson to lead off the bottom of the fifth. A sacrifice bunt moved him to second, and with Jim Lefebvre at the plate, Johnson took off for third. He stole the base, and when the Chris Krug threw the ball away, Johnson came home, scoring the first run of the game.
That run would hold up as Koufax dominated. He struck out 14 batters, and allowed only one line drive as he carved through the Cubs lineup. Koufax finished the perfect game in style, striking out the side in the top of the ninth to nail down his perfect game.
That perfect game was one of the crown jewels to Koufax’ stellar run. He won three Cy Young awards, made six consecutive All Star Games, and was the 1963 MVP. He won the National League ERA title in each of his last five seasons, before leaving at the top of his game at age 30 due to arthritis.
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Sandy Koufax was a true star, one of the greatest left handed pitchers in MLB history. His perfect game, fired on this day in 1965, was another shining moment in a stellar career.