Joe Borden throws the first no-hitter in professional baseball (1875)

Joe Borden threw professional baseball's first recorded no-hitter on July 28, 1875, pitching for the Philadelphia White Stockings against the Chicago White Stockings. Borden, discovered from an amateur club, replaced pitcher Cherokee Fisher. The game resulted in a 4-0 victory, marking a significant milestone in the National Association era before the formation of the National League.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Joe Borden was an American professional baseball starting pitcher who played for two seasons. Born in New Jersey, he was playing for a Philadelphia amateur team when he was discovered by the Philadelphia White Stockings of the National Association in 1875. The team needed a replacement for pitcher Cherokee Fisher, who had been dismissed in July 1875 due to conflicts with team captain Mike McGeary.

The Game. Borden made his first appearance for the White Stockings on July 24, 1875, in a loss to the Philadelphia Athletics. His second start occurred on July 28 against the Chicago White Stockings. In this game, Borden pitched what is thought to be the first no-hitter in professional baseball history, leading his team to a 4-0 victory over Chicago.

Historical Context. The no-hitter occurred during the 1875 National Association season. The league folded after the season, allowing the National League to form. Historians debate whether this game or a later performance by Borden in 1876 constitutes the first no-hitter in major-league history, with some claiming George Bradley holds the official record.

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Sources

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