May 8th 1968 Jim "Catfish" Hunter became just the 9th pitcher to throw a perfect game. As of 2025, there has only been a total of 24 pitchers to throw a perfect game in over 125-years of Major League Baseball. Catfish is the youngest pitcher to accomplish this feat at just just 22 years and 30 days old. One of only seven hall of fame pitchers.
Striking out 11 batters in the game to include Harmon Killebrew three times, he only had 2 three ball counts! The final batter was Rich Reese who struck out.
On May 12th 1968, the AP ran a story that read "Proud Hunter and Wife-- Jim "Catfish" Hunter, Oakland Athletics pitcher who hurled the first regular season perfect game in the American League in 46 years when he blanked the Minnesota Twins 4-0 Wednesday night, poses with his wife, Helen. He exhibits the ball he threw for the final strikeout which is autographed by Hunter and bears the legend "May 8, 1968, No Hits."
How acquired-
After maintaining the baseball in the Hunter family since 1968, they have decided to part ways with it. Collector's World acquired the baseball directly through the family.
Provenance-
The type 1 photo from the AP is included with the baseball documenting the actual baseball that was used with 100% certainty.
ResMatch certification is also included with the baseball that performed a 100% image analysis with conclusive results given the unique inscriptions.
Letter of Provenance (LOP) from the Hunter estate is also included.
Comparable Sales-
There have no definitive final baseball outs sold in recent history. A Sandy Koufax no-hitter baseball that was photo matched was sold at Heritage Auctions for $83,650 on May 16th 2014.
Qualified Buyers Only-
Terms and Conditions
Scan (front and back) of valid U.S. issued identification may be required for purchase.
Item is not returnable.
Shipment of this item will not be delivered without an adult (21+) to sign for delivery.
Collector's World (at its own expense), may opt to hand deliver this item to customer.
Item is not eligible for coupons or sale promotions.
