Johnny Vander Meer Biography

Johnny Vander Meer

pitcher who in 1938 at age 23 became the only man in major league history to throw two consecutive no-hit games; debuted in 1937 with Cincinnati Reds; extraordinary pitching run began Saturday afternoon, June 11 when he no-hit the Boston Braves at Reds' Crosley Field, a 3-0 Reds victory; second no-hitter came June 15 at the first night game ever at Ebbets Field, retiring Leo Durcoher for the final out of the 6-0 Reds win; hitless streak finally ended at 21²/3 innings; went on to 15–10 record that season; led the NL in strikeouts in 1941, '42 and '43; four-time All-Star; career record of 119–121 with a ERA of 3.44 in 13 seasons; of an abdominal aneurysm