On September 2, 1990, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dave Stieb made history by throwing the franchise's first and only no-hitter in a game against the Cleveland Indians. This remarkable achievement came after Stieb had flirted with no-hitters on three previous occasions, each time falling short in dramatic fashion.
Stieb's journey to this milestone was paved with near-misses. In September 1988, he was on the brink of a no-hitter in Cleveland when Julio Franco broke it up with a ground ball that took an unexpected hop over second baseman Manny Lee. Just days later, in his next start, Jim Traber ended another bid with a soft fly ball that fell between infielders and outfielders. The following year, during the inaugural season at SkyDome, Roberto Kelly spoiled a perfect game with a two-out double in the ninth inning. However, on this day in 1990, everything aligned perfectly for Stieb.
As the game progressed, Stieb maintained his composure, although he admitted afterward that he didn't feel at his best. He struggled with control early on, stating, "I didn’t have great control. I couldn’t find my release point in the early innings. I hung pitches but got away with them." Despite these challenges, Stieb managed to keep the Indians hitless through nine innings.
In the final frame, the tension mounted as Stieb faced the heart of the Indians lineup. He began by getting pinch-hitter Chris James to fly out, followed by a strikeout of Candy Maldonado. However, he walked Alex Cole, which added to the suspense. Ultimately, Stieb induced Jerry Browne to fly out to right fielder Junior Felix, sealing the historic no-hitter. Stieb's performance not only showcased his talent but also highlighted his resilience in overcoming previous disappointments.
During the game, the Indians did not present a formidable challenge, as their lineup featured several struggling hitters. Notably, cleanup hitter Ken Phelps was batting a mere .155 at the time. Stieb's ability to navigate this lineup effectively was crucial to his success, as he finished the game with four walks but no hits allowed.
Stieb's no-hitter marked a significant milestone in his career, contributing to his impressive season record of 18 wins against 6 losses, alongside a 2.93 ERA. This performance set a new team record for wins in a season, reflecting his dominance on the mound during that era. While Stieb was known for his fierce competitiveness, his relationship with teammates was often complicated, as he was not afraid to confront them when mistakes were made.
As of today, Stieb's no-hitter remains a cherished moment in Toronto Blue Jays history, a testament to his skill and determination. It is a reminder of the highs and lows that come with the sport and the lasting legacy that exceptional players like Stieb leave behind.
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