Don Larsen's Perfect Game in 1956 World Series

By Emma Wilson · July 3, 2027

Don Larsen's Perfect Game: A Baseball Legend

Don Larsen, a former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher, is best known for throwing the only perfect game in World Series history on October 8, 1956, while playing for the New York Yankees against the Brooklyn Dodgers. This legendary performance solidified his place in baseball history and remains one of the most iconic moments in sports.

The Career of Don Larsen

Donald Charles Larsen was born on February 1, 1929, in Michigan and played professionally from 1953 to 1967. Though his overall career was modest compared to other Hall of Famers, his peak performance in the 1956 World Series elevated him to legendary status.

Key Teams Don Larsen Played For

New York Yankees (1955–1959)
Baltimore Orioles (1954)
Kansas City Athletics (1953, 1960)
Chicago White Sox (1961)
San Francisco Giants (1962–1967)

The Perfect Game: October 8, 1956

Larsen's perfect game in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series is widely regarded as one of the greatest individual performances in baseball history. He retired all 27 batters he faced, recording 27 consecutive outs with no walks, hits, or errors.

Why Was Don Larsen's Game So Significant?

It remains the only perfect game in MLB postseason history.
It occurred during the World Series, the highest stage in baseball.
He struck out seven batters, including pinch-hitter Dale Mitchell for the final out.
Catcher Yogi Berra famously leaped into Larsen's arms after the final pitch.

Statistic	Value
Date	October 8, 1956
Game	World Series Game 5
Teams	New York Yankees vs. Brooklyn Dodgers
Innings	9
Hits Allowed	0
Walks	0
Strikeouts	7
Pitches Thrown	97
Final Score	Yankees 2, Dodgers 0

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights the flawless nature of Larsen's outing. With only 97 pitches, he demonstrated remarkable efficiency and control under immense pressure. Despite a career ERA of 3.78, this single game showcased elite execution when it mattered most.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Don Larsen's perfect game transcended statistics. It became a symbol of perfection in sports and is frequently replayed in MLB retrospectives. In 1996, ESPN ranked it as the greatest moment in baseball history.

Post-Retirement Recognition

Inducted into the New York Yankees' Ring of Honor.
Frequently featured in MLB documentaries and Hall of Fame exhibits.
Passed away on January 1, 2020, but remembered annually during World Series broadcasts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Don Larsen and His Perfect Game

What is Don Larsen famous for?

Don Larsen is famous for pitching the only perfect game in World Series history on October 8, 1956, while playing for the New York Yankees against the Brooklyn Dodgers. He retired all 27 batters he faced, a feat unmatched in postseason baseball.

How many perfect games have been thrown in World Series history?

Only one perfect game has been thrown in World Series history—by Don Larsen in Game 5 of the 1956 series. No pitcher before or since has achieved this on baseball's biggest stage.

Did Don Larsen throw a no-hitter or a perfect game?

Don Larsen threw a perfect game, which is rarer than a no-hitter. A perfect game requires retiring every batter without allowing any baserunners via hit, walk, error, or hit-by-pitch. A no-hitter only prohibits hits.

Who caught Don Larsen's perfect game?

Yogi Berra, the legendary Yankees catcher, caught Don Larsen's perfect game. The iconic image of Berra leaping into Larsen's arms after the final out is one of the most famous photos in baseball history.

What was Don Larsen's career ERA?

Don Larsen's career earned run average (ERA) was 3.78 over 13 seasons in Major League Baseball. While not among the all-time greats statistically, his 1956 World Series performance overshadowed his regular-season record.