MLB History: Justin Verlander joins three no hitter club
By David Hill
Bob Feller announced his arrival in the majors with aplomb, striking out 15 batters in his first start for the Cleveland Indians. Regarded as the hardest thrower of his time, Feller was a dominant force for the Tribe.
Feller also made certain that he started the 1940 season off on the right foot. On April 16, he threw his first no hitter, shutting down the Chicago White Sox 1-0 on Opening Day. That is still the only no hitter thrown on Opening Day in MLB history.
After missing most of four years due to World War 2, Feller picked up where he left off. His second career no hitter came on April 30, 1946, as he shut down the Yankees in another 1-0 victory. The third and final no hitter came on July 1, 1951, the first game of a double header, and the last season when Feller was dominant.
As impressive as his career had been, one has to wonder what Feller would have accomplished had WW2 not happened. He finished his career with a 266-162 record, along with a 3.25 ERA and a 1.316 WHiP. Feller led the league in strikeouts seven times, and walks four times, as he notched 2581 strikeouts, and allowed 1764 walks, in his 3827 innings.
Bob Feller threw hard, had some wildness, and could be intimidating to face. Those elements added up to a Hall of Fame career, and his becoming the third pitcher to throw three no hitters.