Cincinnati Reds History: Bumpus Jones Pitches No Hitter in First Start

Only one pitcher has ever thrown a no hitter in his first Major League appearance. That happened on this day in 1892, when Cincinnati Reds pitcher Bumpus Jones fired one of the most unlikely no hitters in MLB history.

Every so often, there is a pitcher who, in his first Major League appearance, carries a no hitter into the middle innings. Yet, inevitably, each pitcher would fail in his quest. Ross Stripling may have come the closest of any recent pitcher, throwing a no hitter into the eighth inning before being pulled for a reliever, the no hitter going by the wayside.

There had been pitchers that threw a no hitter in their first Major League start, as both Bobo Holloman and Ted Breitenstein did so. However, both had made appearances in relief before hand. Wilson Alvarez, after failing to record an out in his first start, threw a no hitter in his second outing. Yet, only one pitcher had a no hitter in his first ever appearance – Cincinnati Reds starter Bumpus Jones.

Jones came to the attention of the Reds following his excellent season with Joilet, winning 24 games. He made his debut on the final day of the season, facing off against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jones certainly impressed in his debut, throwing a ho hitter in the Reds 7-1 victory. He allowed four walked, striking out three batters in his first career outing.

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Not only was Jones the first pitcher to throw a no hitter in his debut, he also became the last pitcher to throw a no hitter before the pitching rubber was moved to its present location. He also has the distinction of being the pitcher who threw the latest no hitter during the regular season.

This outing would also be the highlight of Jones’ career. He had another chance with the Reds the following year and imploded. He posted a 1-3 record, allowing 37 runs, 32 earned, on 37 hits and 23 walks in 28.2 innings. He would have another start later in 1893 with the Giants, but that outing was even worse. In those four innings, Jones allowed five runs on five hits and ten walks. That would be the final Major League appearance of his career.

That was not the end of Jones career. He bounced around the minors until 1900, and even pitched for Cleveland in the American League before it became a Major League in 1901. However, he never had another chance in the Majors, as his final start would be that disastrous outing with the Giants.

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Bumpus Jones may not have had a great career, but he certainly made his mark on Major League history. Whenever a rookie starter has a no hitter going into the middle innings in his first outing, the former Cincinnati Reds pitcher will be brought up, his ghost still looming large.