On September 25, 1986, Mike Scott of the Houston Astros made baseball history by pitching a no-hitter against the San Francisco Giants. This wasn’t just any no-hitter though; Scott’s performance clinched the NL West division title for the Astros, adding an extra layer of epicness to an already electric moment. With a crowd of over 32,000 going wild at the Astrodome, Scott fanned 13 Giants and walked only two batters in a masterclass performance that cemented his name in the MLB Hall of Fame conversations.
Scott was known for his nasty split-finger fastball, and on this day, it was unhittable. This was his 18th win of the season, and he’d go on to win the NL Cy Young Award for his dominance that year. Scott’s no-hitter on that late September day was not only a showcase of his talent but a major boost for the Astros as they headed into the postseason. The excitement in the Astrodome that day was pure 80s magic.
Mike Scott’s name still echoes in baseball history, but for Astros fans, that September day in ‘86 remains an unforgettable high.
Gnarly Nuggets:
- First time ever! Scott’s no-hitter was the first in MLB history that clinched a division title for his team.
- Cy Young material – Scott finished the season with a 2.22 ERA and 306 strikeouts, dominating the NL.
- Split-finger sensation – Scott’s split-finger fastball was so good, some accused him of scuffing the ball to make it move more.
- MVP chants – The fans at the Astrodome were chanting “MVP!” by the end of the game, a rare feat for a pitcher.