Giants History: Red Ames Fires No Hitter in Debut

Only one pitcher has thrown a nine inning no hitter in his major league debut. On this day in 1903, New York Giants pitcher Red Ames fired a five inning no hitter in his first career appearance.

The immortal Bumpus Jones has been assured of his place in major league history. Back in 1892, Jones made his major league debut on October 15 for the Cincinnati Reds. He fired a no hitter in his 7-1 victory, walking four batters and striking out three. That was the last no hitter thrown before the mound was moved to the current distance, and the first no hitter to be thrown in a major league debut.

That would prove to be the one highlight of Jones’ career. He appeared in just seven more games, and earned one more victory. After being hammered in 1893, he returned to the minors, where he remained through 1900. Nonetheless, Jones had earned his place in baseball history.

However, Jones is not the only pitcher to begin his career with a no hitter in his first major league appearance. On this day in 1903, New York Giants rookie Red Ames fired a five inning no hitter, blanking the St. Louis Cardinals in the 5-0 victory. The game was called after the fifth due to darkness from an impending storm.

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

However, Jones is the only pitcher still considered to have debuted with a no hitter. As the definition for a no hitter changed, Ames’ five inning gem was no longer recognized as official. Unfortunately, that removed his place in major league history, leaving Jones as the sole pitcher to begin his career with a no hitter.

In a way, Ames had the last laugh. Whereas Jones struggled in his subsequent outings, Ames became a key part of the Giants rotation. He spent his first ten and a half years in New York, before bouncing around the National League. He ended his career with a three game stint with the Phillies in 1919, then pitched in the minors for three more seasons.

Overall, Ames had a solid 17 year career in the majors. He produced a solid 183-167 record, along with a 2.63 ERA and a 1.229 WHiP. In his 3198 innings, he issued 1034 walks while striking out 1702 batters. Ames also had a bit of a wild streak, setting a modern day record with 30 wild pitches in 1905, en route to 156 wild pitches in his career.

Next: Big Papi to co-produce Ted Williams documentary

Bumpus Jones may be remembered for throwing a no hitter in his debut, but he was not the only pitcher to do so. On this day in 1903, Giants starter Red Ames did the same, albeit for five innings.