ERNIE SHORE’S ALMOST PERFECT GAME

There are 11 combined no-hitters in Major League history, but none like the one tossed by Babe Ruth and Ernie Shore on June 23, 1917.

Babe Ruth was the starting pitcher for the Red Sox against the Washington Senators. Ruth walked the leadoff man, Ray Walker. Ruth then got into an argument with the home plate umpire, Brick Owens, over bad calls. The argument became more heated and Owens ejected Ruth from the game. Ruth then physically attacked Owens before he could be restrained by a teammate.

Once play resumed, Ernie Shore came on in relief. After Morgan was caught stealing second base, Shore retired the next 26 batters.

Originally considered a perfect game since Shore retired 27 consecutive batters after entering the game, including the one baserunner that he inherited, the game was later changed to a combined no-hitter following a re-evaluation by Major League Baseball in 1991 under Commissioner Fay Vincent’s direction.