Introduction
There are moments in baseball that defy probability, history, and pressure. One of the rarest? A perfect game—27 up, 27 down, no hits, no walks, no errors. The New York Yankees, MLB’s most storied franchise, have achieved this nearly impossible feat multiple times, solidifying their place in baseball immortality.
If you’re here, you’re likely a fan, a student of the game, or just curious about how often the Yankees’ perfect games have changed the course of baseball history. In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk through every perfect game pitched by a Yankee, what made them so special, and why they still matter in 2025.
What Is a Perfect Game in Baseball?
A perfect game in Major League Baseball is when a pitcher (or pitchers) retires all 27 batters in a nine-inning game without allowing a single baserunner.
That means:
No hits
No walks
No hit batters
No errors
There have only been 24 official perfect games in MLB history (as of 2024), making them rarer than no-hitters or even hitting for the cycle. For a franchise like the Yankees—known for legends and milestones—perfect games are a crown jewel.
How Many Perfect Games Have the Yankees Thrown?
As of 2024, the New York Yankees have recorded four perfect games, placing them among the MLB franchises with the most such feats.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Pitcher | Date | Opponent | Venue |
| Don Larsen | Oct 8, 1956 | Brooklyn Dodgers | Yankee Stadium (WS) |
| David Wells | May 17, 1998 | Minnesota Twins | Yankee Stadium |
| David Cone | July 18, 1999 | Montreal Expos | Yankee Stadium |
| Domingo Germán | June 28, 2023 | Oakland Athletics | Oakland Coliseum |
Let’s dive deeper into each of these legendary Yankees’ perfect games.
Don Larsen’s 1956 World Series Perfect Game
The Only Postseason Perfect Game in MLB History
Don Larsen’s perfect game remains the most iconic in baseball lore. Thrown during Game 5 of the 1956 World Series, it’s the only postseason perfect game to date.
Opponent: Brooklyn Dodgers
Catcher: Yogi Berra
Pitch Count: 97 pitches
Final Score: Yankees 2, Dodgers 0
Larsen’s performance helped the Yankees eventually win the series in 7 games. His final pitch was immortalised by Berra leaping into his arms—a moment etched in baseball history.
Fun Fact: Larsen’s gem wasn’t even expected; he had a poor Game 2 showing just days earlier.
David Wells’ 1998 Perfect Game: A Bronx Party
A Hangover and a Masterpiece
On May 17, 1998, David Wells delivered one of the most talked-about Yankees perfect games—and not just for the pitching.
Rumours swirled that Wells was “a little hungover” from a party the night before. Regardless, he was electric:
Opponent: Minnesota Twins
Strikeouts: 11
Pitch Count: 120+
Final Score: Yankees 4, Twins 0
The 1998 Yankees were dominant all season, winning 114 regular-season games. Wells’ performance became a highlight in one of the greatest team seasons ever.
David Cone’s 1999 Perfect Game: A Day of Destiny
Yogi & Don Were There—Literally
One year later, David Cone etched his name in the record books with the third Yankees perfect game.
Date: July 18, 1999
Opponent: Montreal Expos
Occasion: Yogi Berra Day at Yankee Stadium
Special Guests: Yogi Berra and Don Larsen (who threw out the first pitch)
Cone threw just 88 pitches, an astonishingly efficient outing that’s one of the lowest pitch counts in perfect game history.
Baseball Nerd Moment: Cone’s outing was also the first interleague perfect game in MLB history.
Domingo Germán’s 2023 Perfect Game: A Comeback Story
The First in Over a Decade
On June 28, 2023, Domingo Germán became the 24th pitcher in MLB history to toss a perfect game, and the first since Félix Hernández in 2012.
Opponent: Oakland Athletics
Strikeouts: 9
Pitch Count: 99
Context: Germán had struggled in prior outings and had faced suspension in previous seasons.
This perfect game helped solidify his comeback narrative and gave Yankees fans a reason to celebrate during a tough season.
Why Are Yankees Perfect Games So Historic?
A Combination of Legacy and Timing
The Yankees are synonymous with success:
27 World Series titles
Dozens of Hall of Famers
Historic ballparks and rivalries
When a Yankee throws a perfect game, it echoes louder than most franchises because of the franchise’s legacy, the media spotlight, and the timing (like the World Series or milestone ceremonies).
The Rarity Multiplied
Four perfect games in nearly 120 years of team history show just how rare this feat is—even for the greatest team in MLB.
Yankees Perfect Games vs Other Teams
| Team | Perfect Games | Notable Pitcher |
| New York Yankees | 4 | Don Larsen, David Cone |
| Chicago White Sox | 3 | Mark Buehrle |
| Oakland Athletics | 2 | Catfish Hunter |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 2 | Sandy Koufax |
| Others (Combined) | 13 | Multiple |
The Yankees are tied for the most perfect games by a single franchise, a testament to their deep pitching legacy.
The Impact on Pitchers’ Careers
Elevating Legacy in One Night
A perfect game can transform a pitcher’s legacy overnight. For example:
Don Larsen is best remembered only for his perfect game.
David Cone and David Wells were already All-Stars, but became part of Yankees lore forever.
Domingo Germán’s feat gave his career a renewed path, despite past setbacks.
These performances live on through highlight reels, commemorative plaques, and fan memory.
Are More Yankees Perfect Games Coming?
Unlikely—but Possible
With evolving pitcher workloads, pitch counts, and bullpen use, perfect games are becoming rarer. Still, young arms like Gerrit Cole or Nestor Cortes have the talent to make history.
Pitching a perfect game now requires more than just skill—it demands poise, luck, and timing.
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Conclusion
Yankees’ perfect games aren’t just about dominance on the mound. They’re symbols of excellence, legacy, and baseball’s unique beauty. Each one—from Don Larsen’s 1956 masterpiece to Domingo Germán’s 2023 gem—represents a moment frozen in time, cherished by fans and historians alike.
If you’re a Yankees fan, these games are more than just stats—they’re emotional touchpoints. And if you’re a baseball fan, they remind you why you fell in love with the game in the first place.
So the next time a Yankee takes a no-hitter into the 7th? Pay attention. History might be repeating itself.
FAQs
How many perfect games have the Yankees thrown?
The Yankees have thrown four perfect games: in 1956, 1998, 1999, and 2023.
Who pitched the first Yankees perfect game?
Don Larsen pitched the first during the 1956 World Series—the only postseason perfect game in MLB history.
Has any team thrown more perfect games than the Yankees?
No. The Yankees are tied for first with four perfect games—the most of any MLB franchise.
Who was the last Yankee to throw a perfect game?
Domingo Germán threw the latest one on June 28, 2023, against the Oakland Athletics.
Are perfect games still possible with modern pitch limits?
Yes, but they’re rarer. Strategic bullpen use makes complete games less common, making perfect games even more remarkable.