3. April 16, 1940 – Feller tosses no-hitter
Bob Feller, also known as “Rapid Robert”, among a number of other nicknames, opened the 1940 season just about as well as any player could when he recorded a no-hitter on Opening Day.
Feller was opposed on the mound that day by knuckler Eddie Smith. After 8 innings, Smith was pulled with just one run allowed. Feller, on the other hand, went all 9 innings, allowing no hits on 5 walks and 8 strikeouts.
The excellent pitching performance got the game moving in a hurry, as time of game was just 2 hours and 24 minutes.
The funny thing was just how he went about the game. Feller was known for his blazing fastball, able to toss it by hitters nearly any time he would please. However, he was able to get to the 9th inning due to the fact that he kept getting the White Sox hitters to pound the ball into the ground, coaxing 7 ground outs over the last four innings.
Feller would go on to lead the major leagues in wins, innings, and strikeouts in 1940 at just age 21. He also led the American League in 2.61 and shutouts, with his first coming with his incredible Opening Day performance.
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