Don Larsen’s perfect game box score shows zero hits, zero runs, and zero walks for the New York Yankees against the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1956 World Series.
The 1956 World Series saw something truly exceptional happen. Don Larsen achieved the unthinkable; he pitched a perfect game. Baseball fans still talk about this historic event and pore over the details even today. The fascination stems partly from the flawless nature and a close examination of the don larsen perfect game box score itself. It illustrates a dominant performance etched forever in the sport.
Don Larsen Perfect Game Box Score: A Deep Dive into Baseball History
Okay, baseball fans! Let’s really get into one of the most amazing moments in baseball history: Don Larsen’s perfect game in the 1956 World Series. We’re not just talking about a regular win; we’re talking about a game where absolutely NO ONE from the other team got on base. Zero hits, zero walks, zero errors – nothing! This is a super rare feat, and Don Larsen did it on the biggest stage, the World Series. To truly understand how incredible this was, let’s break down the famous Don Larsen perfect game box score, round by round.
The Basics of a Box Score
Before we jump into the details of Larsen’s game, let’s quickly understand what a box score is. Think of it as a game’s report card. It tells us what happened during each inning, including:
- At-bats (AB): How many times a player went to the plate.
- Runs (R): How many times a player crossed home plate.
- Hits (H): How many times a player reached base by hitting the ball.
- Runs Batted In (RBI): How many runs a player helped score with their hits.
- Walks (BB): How many times a player reached base without swinging, because the pitcher threw four balls.
- Strikeouts (SO): How many times a player swung and missed, or got called out, for three strikes.
- Errors (E): When a player makes a mistake in the field that lets the other team get an advantage.
In the box score, each team’s performance is usually laid out inning by inning. So, we can see how the game progressed. For a perfect game box score, one team’s entire score line will be empty with runs, hits, and errors; while, the other team’s will contain the hits, runs, etc., but also the outs which are not shown directly in box score, but we can calculate by adding all outs together in each inning.
The Game: Yankees vs. Dodgers, October 8, 1956
This was Game 5 of the 1956 World Series between the New York Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers. The series was tied 2-2. With so much at stake, the pressure was high and the perfect game took place at Yankee Stadium, a place known for its energy and big moments.
The Starting Lineups
Knowing who was playing makes this story even better! Here are the players who were on the field for each team on that amazing day. It helps to know these players as we talk about each inning, and they make the perfect game happen.
New York Yankees Starting Lineup
- CF: Hank Bauer
- SS: Phil Rizzuto
- 1B: Gil McDougald
- RF: Mickey Mantle
- LF: Yogi Berra
- 3B: Andy Carey
- C: Johnny Blanchard
- 2B: Billy Martin
- P: Don Larsen
Brooklyn Dodgers Starting Lineup
- 2B: Jim Gilliam
- SS: Pee Wee Reese
- RF: Carl Furillo
- CF: Duke Snider
- 1B: Gil Hodges
- LF: Sandy Amoros
- 3B: Jackie Robinson
- C: Roy Campanella
- P: Sal Maglie
Don Larsen’s Line Score: A Masterpiece
Now, let’s look at Don Larsen’s line score. Remember, a pitcher is responsible for pitching, but the rest of the team needs to score runs. While Larsen didn’t bat much, his contribution to the perfect game was monumental. Here is the overview of Larsen’s line score in that game
| Inning | AB | R | H | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 8 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 27 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Looking at this table, it’s clear that Larsen faced 27 batters, got 27 outs. He didn’t give up any hits, runs, walks, and the Dodgers committed no errors which means that no one reached base. In baseball, there are three outs in an inning, and nine innings in a normal game. 3 x 9 = 27, hence he faced exactly 27 batters. He was absolutely perfect!
Inning-by-Inning Breakdown of Perfection
Let’s take a closer look at how each inning played out, which shows how Larsen created his masterpiece. We’ll see each batter he faced and how he got them out. It wasn’t easy and there were some moments where it could have gone wrong, but that’s what made the game so exciting!
First Inning
The first inning set the tone. Jim Gilliam grounded out to the shortstop, Phil Rizzuto. Pee Wee Reese followed with a flyout to center field, which Hank Bauer caught. Finally, Carl Furillo also hit a flyball to center field, giving Bauer his second catch of the inning. Three up, three down – a smooth start.
Second Inning
The second inning continued the trend. Duke Snider struck out swinging for the first of his two strikeouts of the game. Gil Hodges grounded out to third baseman, Andy Carey and Sandy Amoros popped out to second baseman, Billy Martin. Another three-up, three-down inning for Larsen.
Third Inning
The third inning saw Jackie Robinson grounded out to third base, which was Andy Carey. Next, Roy Campanella struck out swinging for the second strikeout of the game. Pitcher Sal Maglie, batting in the number 9 spot, grounded out to shortstop Rizzuto. It was another smooth inning for Larsen and the Yankees.
Fourth Inning
The fourth inning was more of the same. Jim Gilliam hit another groundball, this time to second base and Billy Martin caught it. Next, Pee Wee Reese popped out to third base. Lastly, Carl Furillo hit a groundball to the second base, ending the inning and keeping the perfection alive.
Fifth Inning
In the fifth inning, Duke Snider struck out for his second strikeout of the game. Then, Gil Hodges grounded out to third base. Sandy Amoros then popped out to first base. Larsen is halfway through his perfect game!
Sixth Inning
The sixth inning had its challenges. Jackie Robinson struck out for the third strikeout of the game. The fans were starting to notice the possibility of a perfect game, with two more strikeouts. Following Robinson, Roy Campanella struck out, the fourth of the game. Finally, Sal Maglie grounded out to first base, which was Gil McDougald. The game was getting very exciting as Larsen continued to hold the Dodgers scoreless and hitless.
Seventh Inning
The seventh inning was quick and easy as Jim Gilliam grounded out to second base. Then, Pee Wee Reese popped out to shortstop. Lastly, Carl Furillo grounded out to third base, getting the game closer to history.
Eighth Inning
The eighth inning started with Duke Snider hitting a flyball to left field, which Yogi Berra caught. Gil Hodges then grounded out to first base. Then, Sandy Amoros hit a flyball to center field, where it landed in Hank Bauer’s glove. With just one inning to go, the tension was at its peak.
Ninth Inning: The Final Chapter
The ninth inning was the moment of truth. Jackie Robinson grounded out to third base, first out. Roy Campanella then hit a fly ball to left field for the second out of the inning, which was caught by Yogi Berra. Then, with the crowd cheering, the final batter Sal Maglie stepped up. He swung and missed on the third strike which is the last out of the game and ended it. Larsen had done it, throwing a perfect game!
Yankees’ Offense: Supporting the Perfect Game
While Larsen’s pitching was perfect, the Yankees also needed to score runs to win the game. The Yankees scored 2 runs in the 4th inning and one run in the sixth inning. Hank Bauer started the 4th inning with a single, then Gil McDougald doubled, which batted in Bauer. After that, Mickey Mantle hit a double which batted in McDougald. The Yankees added an insurance run in the 6th, when Yogi Berra hit a single and was batted in by Andy Carey with a single. It wasn’t a huge offensive showing, but it was enough, all thanks to Larsen’s pitching performance.
Key Moments and Player Contributions
Don Larsen
Larsen pitched a complete game, a perfect game, facing 27 batters and not allowing anyone to get on base with six strikeouts.
Yogi Berra
As the catcher, Yogi Berra was crucial in guiding Larsen and he had one hit and one run batted in as well.
Mickey Mantle
Mantle had one hit and one run batted in, a crucial run which helped to win the game.
Andy Carey
Carey played a solid game at third base and added a run batted in to the Yankees total.
Why the Don Larsen Perfect Game Box Score Matters
Don Larsen’s perfect game is more than just a baseball game; it’s a legendary event. Here’s why it continues to resonate:
- World Series History: It’s the only perfect game in World Series history.
- Rarity: Perfect games are very rare, even in regular games.
- Underdog Story: Larsen wasn’t a star player, and that makes his achievement more special.
- The Picture: The iconic photo of Yogi Berra jumping into Larsen’s arms after the final out is one of baseball’s most famous images.
The Don Larsen perfect game box score is a reminder that in sports, anything is possible. It’s a story of focus, skill, and a bit of luck, all combined to create a moment that baseball fans will never forget.
The game stands as a testament to the beauty of baseball and the potential for greatness on any given day. It’s a perfect example of how one individual’s performance can become a timeless moment in sports history. Looking at the box score, every play, every out, comes alive, showing how Don Larsen was able to create one of the greatest achievements in baseball.
WS1956 Gm5: Scully calls Larsen's perfect game
Final Thoughts
Larsen’s historic performance cemented his place in baseball lore. His dominance on that particular day remains a benchmark for pitching perfection. The don larsen perfect game box score reflects a truly unparalleled outing in World Series history.
This singular feat is a treasure in baseball records. The complete shutout, no hits, and no walks makes it exceptionally rare. His achievement stands as a testament to incredible skill.
