From 1952 through 1972, the Cubs were involved in nine no-hitters — six by Cubs pitchers, three thrown against them. They seemed almost commonplace.
Now, of course, we know that the Cubs hold the record for the longest streak of games without being no-hit, 7,920 games in between Sandy Koufax’s perfect game in 1965 through Cole Hamels’ no-hitter in 2015.
But in July 1969, that streak was nearly broken before it was even four seasons long.
Future Hall of Famer Tom Seaver, who had put together very good seasons for terrible Mets teams in 1967 and 1968, was off to a good start in 1969, posting a 13-3 W/L record and 2.