Recording a no-hitter as a pitcher is a huge achievement. Five AL pitchers have done it within their first 25 starts. From the 1980s until this season, pitchers have recorded no-hitters and achieved it within their first 25 starts. Talk about dominance and putting on a show. Let’s dig deep and break down who these AL pitchers are.
These AL Pitchers Have Recorded No-Hitters Within Their First 25 Starts
American League pitchers to record a no-hitter within their first 25 career MLB appearances – Last 50 seasons (1975-present):
Ronel Blanco (Tonight in a 10-0 @astros win over TOR)
Reid Detmers (5/10/2022)
Clay Buchholz (9/1/2007)
Wilson Alvarez (8/11/1991)
Mike Warren (9/29/1983) pic.twitter.com/OkcqMOUoEO— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) April 2, 2024
Mike Warren (9/29/1983)
Although Warren made only 27 starts in his baseball career, he pitched a no-hitter at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum against the Chicago White Sox on September 29, 1983. It was never really understood why he was out of the league 3 or 4 years later. Where did he go after his time in Oakland? He was known for having good stuff. The White Sox won the AL West division that year, as well. So, this no-hitter was extra special for Warren.
Wilson Alvarez (8/11/1991)
This Venezuelan pitcher was nicknamed “The Untouchable” because Álvarez threw 11 no-hitters as a kid. His 12th permitted a stepping stone for a successful career in the major leagues. Álvarez followed Bobo Holloman as the second in baseball history to earn a no-hitter in his first or second major league start. Following this achievement, he felt he could attain this great victory again. Wilson Álvarez’s no-hitter was a big way of boosting his career and opening the doors of his major league career. He then went on to play six more years with the White Sox, being identified as an ace in the starting rotation. He was a big reason the White Sox won game three in the ALCS against his rivals, The Toronto Blue Jays.
Clay Buchholz (9/1/2007)
In his second career major league start on September 1, 2007, Buchholz was the first Boston Red Sox rookie to throw a no-hitter when he shut out the Baltimore Orioles. Amazingly, he recorded this no-hitter hours after getting the call-up by the Boston Red Sox. Buchholz’s no-hitter was the third of a record-setting four caught by Jason Varitek.
Reid Detmers (5/10/2022)
At the time, Detmers was a rookie for the LA Angels and threw an epic no-hitter against the Texas Rangers. Also, On August 16, 2023, Detmers pitched seven innings without giving up a hit.
Ronel Blanco (04/01/2024)
This season, Blanco threw a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 1st, 2024. It was the 17th no-hitter in Houston Astros history. He left hitters guessing and questioning at the plate, swinging at pitches outside the strike zone and looked quite impressive.
No-Hitter History
There have been four no-hitters in the 2023 season. Domingo German of the New York Yankees threw a perfect game on June 28, and three pitchers tossed a combined no-hitter for the Tigers on July 8. Frambler Valdez threw a no-hitter on August 1, and then Michael Lorenzen earned the no-hitter on August 9th in his second start with the Philadelphia Phillies.
What’s monumental about the no-hitters pitched by the five pitchers mentioned is that they all achieved these no-hitters so early in their careers and at young ages. They achieved these no-hitters way before they even got to their 25th start, making pitching a no-hitter look more achievable than the challenge. Many of these pitchers were also rookies when they earned these no-hitters, which shows their talent. These pitchers have earned themselves no-hitters in their careers, especially the five who have accomplished it so early.
Main Photo Credits: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
