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Yankees: 6 Greatest World Series Pitching Performances of All Time

ByAdam Weinrib|
Andy Pettitte #35 of the New York Yankees pitching to the Atlanta Braves in Game 5 of the 1996 World Series (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images)
Andy Pettitte #35 of the New York Yankees pitching to the Atlanta Braves in Game 5 of the 1996 World Series (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images)
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Pitcher Don Larsen, of the New York Yankees, poses for a portrait on the remnants of the pitching mound on October 11, 1956 at Yankee Stadium in New York, New York. (Photo by: Kidwiler Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images)

1. Don Larsen, Game 5, 1956 World Series

Don Larsen threw a literal perfect game for the Yankees.

Don Larsen throwing a perfect game in 1956 was about as likely as Mitch Trubisky quarterbacking a flawless Super Bowl, or Dwight Howard polishing off Game 7 of the Finals from half court.

Just a journeyman in search of recognition, Larsen toed the rubber in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series at home, trying to avenge the Yankees’ loss to Brooklyn in the previous year’s final round (yes, it finally happened).

Two hours and six minutes later, Larsen froze Dale Mitchell, embraced Yogi Berra, and entered baseball history with a gilded exclamation point. It’s still the only perfect game in postseason history, one of only two no-hitters (thanks, Doc Halladay), and the singular spotless World Series game. Point blank, it’s the most impressive performance in Series history, and it comes from a man who had gone 3-21 in Baltimore two seasons prior.

Relax and watch Vin Scully on the call. You’ve earned it.

Larsen, who passed away in 2020, will never be forgotten, and has done everything possible to earn your remembrance.

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