When does setting down 27 consecutive batters from the time one sets foot on the mound not count as a perfect game? The answer is when Ernie Shore did so on this day for the Boston Red Sox.
It was the greatest performance for a relief pitcher in the history of baseball.Boston Red Sox starter Babe Ruth began arguing balls and strikes with the home plate umpire Brick Owens, getting frustrated and firing ball four off of the Owens’ head. Naturally, that ended with Ruth and his catcher being ejected, Ruth subsequently throwing a punch at Owens, and Ernie Shore was summoned to the mound to help the Red Sox get through the game.
Shore did far more than that. Ray Morgan, who walked to open the game, was caught stealing, and Shore went from there. He retired all 26 batters he faced in the Red Sox 4-0 victory, and with the credit for the first out due to Morgan being caught stealing, recorded every out. Under the rules at the time, Shore was credited with a perfect game for his effort, as he technically recorded all 27 outs without allowing a baserunner.
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However, the rules governing perfect games would change. The Committee for Statistical Accuracy, on September 4, 1991, reclassified Shore’s gem as a combined no hitter, as Ruth did start the game and face a batter. Shore may have gotten all 27 outs and not allowed a baserunner, but Ruth’s walk still counted towards the overall totals. Calling the game a combined no hitter is truly the right decision.
Even though Shore no longer has credit for a perfect game, it does not diminish his performance. Coming in off the bench, and with a new catcher, he grabbed the opportunity and dominated, putting together the greatest performance of any relief pitcher in MLB history.
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Ernie Shore had the game of his life on this day in 1917 for the Boston Red Sox. It may no longer be a perfect game in the record books, but he still put together a truly impressive outing.