Baseball History: Diomedes Olivo Oldest to Throw No Hitter

Diomedes Olivo was a legend in the Dominican Republic who pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals for parts of four seasons. Back in the minors on this day in 1963, he made baseball history by becoming the oldest pitcher to throw a no hitter.

Long before Diomedes Olivo had his stint in the majors, he was a legend in the Dominican Republic. One of the greatest pitchers in Dominican baseball history, Olivo won the Most Valuable Pitcher award six times from 1951 through 1961. He was a dominating force, capable of shutting down the best hitters that came though the country.

That dominance led to Olivo being signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1960. Although he was 41 years old when he debuted as a major league rookie, and was regarded as a curiosity more than a viable part of the Pirates pitching staff. However, he proved his value in 1962, when he trailed only Roy Face in appearances on the pitching staff, and posted a 2.77 ERA and a 1.340 WHiP. In his 84.1 innings, Olivo struck out 66 batters and issued just 25 walks.

However, by 1963, he had lost his effectiveness, at least in the majors. Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, Olivo struggled, posting a 0-5 record along with a 5.40 ERA and a 1.875 WHiP. His formerly excellent command deserted him, as he walked nine batters in 13.1 innings before being sent to the minor leagues.

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That did not mean that Olivo had nothing left. In fact, he had one last moment of greatness left. On this day in 1963, while pitching for the Atlanta Crackers in the International League, he fired a seven inning no hitter in the opening game of a double header. Olivo came agonizingly close to a perfect game, issuing a walk to Bubba Morton with two outs in the seventh to miss out on perfection. Olivo also singled and scored the only run of the game in the third.

With that performance, the possibly 45 year old pitcher became the oldest pitcher known to have thrown a no hitter in organized baseball history. Olivo still proved to be a viable AAA pitcher, posting a 3.09 ERA and a 1.057 WHiP, striking out 26 batters against eight walks in his 35 innings of work. Olivo also completed two of his four starts, proving to still have some durability. He closed out his career later that year, pitching for his beloved Licey in the Dominican.

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Diomedes Olivo is still a legend in the Dominican Republic. On this day in 1963, he made baseball history as the oldest player to throw a no hitter in organized ball.