Bob Feller pitches first and only opening day no hitter
On April 16, 1940 – 1940: Cleveland Indians flame-thrower Bob Feller begins the season with an overpowering performance, becoming the first pitcher in history to fire a no-hitter on Opening Day. Pitching before a crowd of 14,000 in Chicago, including his parents, the 21-year-old right-hander beats the White Sox, 1-0.
It takes an outstanding play in the ninth inning by Indians second baseman Ray Mack to preserve Feller’s first no-hitter. With two outs, Taft Wright rips a grounder to Mack’s left. A fine stab knocks down the ball, and Mack picks it up and throws to first, getting Wright by a step.
Feller, who already has pitched three one-hitters, strikes out eight and walks five (four in the first three innings).
The Indians score the game’s only run on Jeff Heath’s single and catcher Rollie Hemsley’s two-out triple in the fourth inning off Edgar Smith.
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