MLB History: John Montgomery Ward Pitches Perfect Game

Perfect games are rare moments in MLB history. However, one would forgive fans in 1880 for disagreeing with that thought, as Providence Grays pitcher John Montgomery Ward pitched the second perfect game in history, and the second one in six days, on this day in 1880.

On June 12, 1880, Lee Richmond threw the first perfect game in National League history as he shut down the Worcester Ruby Legs in a 1-0 outing. Then, just six days later, Providence Grays pitcher John Ward did the same, as the Grays dominated the Buffalo Bisons in a 5-0 victory.

In that outing, Ward struck out two batters in defeating fellow future Hall of Famer Pud Galvin. That game, despite being the second perfect game thrown in six days, would be the last one to be pitched in the National League until Jim Bunning threw his on Father’s Day in 1964, an 84 year span.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

Ward began playing other positions that year, and after throwing 1182 innings between 1879 and 1880, he had more appearances in the outfield than on the pitcher’s mound since his arm could no longer take the strain of pitching. He went to the outfield, and later founded the Player’s League in 1890. At age 34, Ward retired to become a lawyer, frequently defending players in lawsuits against their ballclubs, after he had already railed against the Reserve Clause and formed the first player’s union.

His actions both on and off the field, particularly in the area of player’s rights, helped Ward become enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1964. Perhaps it is fitting that would be the same year of Bunning’s perfect game, as though Ward was being honored by the baseball gods as they allowed another perfect game to be pitched in the National League.

Next: Pete Rose thinks that Cubs will blow their chance

John Montgomery Ward may best be remembered for what he did off the field, but he was a great player for the Providence Grays and the New York Giants. On this day in 1880, he showed the promise of the type of pitcher he could have been if he stayed healthy.