October 5, 1956

In game two of the World Series, the Yankees hand their starting pitcher a 6-0 lead with their first two times at bat, but he is unable to get out of the second inning, allowing the Brooklyn Dodgers only one hit but walking four before wearing out manager Casey Stengel’s patience. The starter is charged with four runs after the bullpen gives up a single and a home run, tying the game at six. It’s the kind of outing one might expect from a pitcher who’d gone 3-21 just two years earlier. It’s certainly a more logical performance than the one he gives three days later, when Don Larsen becomes the only pitcher to throw a postseason no-hitter – a perfect game no less. In two seasons with the Yankees before the ’56 Series, Larsen started 33 regular-season games; in how many of them did he walk zero batters? None.

Four hundred and fifty-two pitchers have started World Series games. Who among them would rank behind Larsen on a list of those least likely to throw a perfect game? Marty Bystrom, sure. Brandon Backe, yes. Pat Zachry and Les Straker, probably. Gary Waslewski.

Anything can happen in baseball. Anyone who makes it to the major leagues – even the guys who suck once they get there – is really, really good, or can be on the right October day.