Texas Rangers veteran pitcher Bartolo Colon took a perfect game late in the game against the Houston Astros Sunday night, flirting with MLB history in the process.
44-year old Bartolo Colon appeared in the form of his 24-year old self, when he took the mound for the Texas Rangers against the defending World Series Champion Houston Astros — under the bright lights of ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball.
Through seven innings, Bartolo Colon had not allowed a single baserunner in the game, just six outs away from perfection. It’s one thing to do this late in the season against a team full of Triple-A caliber players, but the veteran hurler did so against the best lineup in all MLB in the Houston Astros.
Reigning American League MVP Jose Altuve had not struck out twice in an MLB game since late in 2017, until last night against “Big Sexy.”
Nearly as impressive, his counterpart Justin Verlander only allowed one hit ( a home run to Robinson Chirinos) through eight innings of work — with 11 strikeouts to go with it.
The @Rangers Bartolo Colon (7 K, 1 H) and the @astros Justin Verlander (11 K, 1 H) are the first opposing starters in the live-ball era to combine for 18+ strikeouts and 2 or fewer hits allowed. #TexasRangers #NeverSettle
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) April 16, 2018
Bartolo Colon finally showed he was human, walking the first batter of the inning, Carlos Correa. His dream’s of besting Randy Johnson‘s mark as the oldest (40-years old) MLB player to toss a perfect game burst. However, Bartolo Colon still had a chance of tying the record for the eldest MLB pitcher to throw a no-hitter in an MLB game, held by Nolan Ryan (44-years old).
Josh Reddick had other plans, roping a double down the right-field line, ending Bartolo Colon’s attempt at history. Neither Bartolo Colon or Justin Verlander factored in the decision, proving once again that baseball is a cruel, cruel sport.
The refreshing part of this perfect game journey is that Bartolo Colon enjoyed the moment. He didn’t isolate himself from teammates or rely on superstition to carry him through each frame. He had a blast, embracing the love of the game.
Bartolo Colon, Throwing Program. 😎 pic.twitter.com/oSDJOJDkel
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 16, 2018
Radio talk show host and legend in his own realm, Jim Rome,sums up Bartolo Colon perfectly in a nutshell.
I don't care what the scoreboard says, Bartolo Colon will always be perfect.
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) April 16, 2018
He is pure perfection, with or without throwing a perfect game. His performance is another reminder that Bartolo Colon belongs in the Baseball Hall of Fame once he hangs up his jersey for good. Boasting 244 career wins, two 20-plus win seasons, and four All-Star appearances; the journeyman MLBer deserves a place in Cooperstown.
If he’s able to tap into the fountain of youth for another few years and stay healthy, he may hit that 300-win mark, ensuring his place among the elite in Canton, Ohio — where he belongs.
Next: Diomedes Olivo oldest to throw no-hitter
The last remaining Montreal Expos player reminded the world why he’s one of the most polarizing MLB players ever to don cleats. The Texas Rangers are grateful to have Bartolo Colon, and MLB fans are watching one of the greatest to play the game in our generation.