The world got a little less perfect on Wednesday with the passing of Don Larsen.
Larsen, a journeyman pitcher, is best remembered for throwing the only perfect game in World Series history. The perfect game came on Oct. 8, 1956 in Game 5 of the World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers. Larsen recorded seven strike outs and needed just 97 pitches in the 2-0 Yankees win.
“The world is less ‘perfect’ today,” tweeted Larsen rep Andrew Levy. “Don Larsen, the only man to pitch a perfect game in World Series history, is gone. Goodbye, my friend. We will miss you!” Levy told the Associated Press that Larsen had died of esophageal cancer in Hayden, Idaho.
The New York Yankees tweeted the following condolences.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Don Larsen, who remained a welcome & familiar face at our annual Old-Timers’ Day celebrations. The Yankees organization extends its deepest condolences to Don’s family and friends during this difficult time. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/OgOdofzSTS
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) January 2, 2020
“When Yogi Berra jumped on me and grabbed with the bear hug, my mind went completely blank,” Larsen wrote in his autobiography. “I was under friendly attack … I was swept into the dugout.”
Larsen lasted 14 years in the major leagues pitching for seven different teams compiling a 81-91 career record. In addition to the 1956 World Series, Larsen was also a member of the Yankees 1958 world Series team.
On July 18, 1999 Larsen and Berra recreated the scene from the 1956 series as the pitcher went to throw a ceremonial first pitch. Yankees pitcher David Cone then took to the mound and threw a perfect game against the Montreal Expos.
Larsen’s perfect game is the only in post season history. Roy Halladay threw a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds during the 2010 National League Division Series.