Back to the Top News Newsfeed

A birthday letter to the no-hitter, born on this day in 1875

Dearest No-Hitter,

Happy birthday to you. You look very good for your age.

It was on this date 141 years ago that the world met you, when Joe Borden of the Philadelphia Athletics held the Chicago White Stockings hitless in a 4-0 win. Your first appearance in professional baseball. You were so cute back then, a neat novelty that seemed worth celebrating. Baseball fans have been in love with you ever since.

MORE: Meet the man who has discovered 500 no-hitters

You're quite attractive, after all.

Just the awareness that you might make an appearance sends a buzz throughout the baseball world, often accompanied by a set of complicated emotions: excitement, hope, nervousness, elation.