Oliver Perez Will Be the First Met to Throw a No-Hitter

The New York Mets were one of the first two National League expansion teams in 1962, along with the Houston Astros. But in their 48 year history, not one Met has ever thrown an no-hitter or perfect game with the franchise.

They have had 31 one-hitters in franchise history, but they, along with the San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies are the only franchise to never throw a no-no. 

Even with great pitchers such as Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Nolan Ryan, Dwight Gooden, Ron Darling, Al Leiter, and Pedro Martinez, it hasn't been done. 

Today, the Mets have played 7,495 games, and with players such as Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey, John Maine and Oliver Perez in their starting rotation, someone can get it done.

I believe that someone is Oliver Perez.

Here are the reasons why.

No. 1: Getting out of Jams

Perez can be unhittable at times, just like any other pitcher, but he can do one more thing: allow base-runners without allowing hits. If base-runners get on base against him, he could have a double play ball hit, which would get him more outs on one pitch.

No. 2: Baserunners

There are many different ways that base-runners could get on base without allowing hits (walks, errors, hit by a pitch, catcher's interference, etc.), but Perez could know how to work around them, which would help him figure out what is wrong with his mechanics, and that would allow him to become more unhittable.

No. 3: Getting Hit

Perez has an ability to not be hit at all, which obviously is key if he wants to accomplish this feat. If Perez can only allow easy ground balls, and normal depth fly balls, this feat could definitely be done.

No. 4: Ballpark

It seems that Citi Field is a pitcher-friendly ballpark, which makes it a huge key that the no-hitter by the Mets will finally be accomplished here. Perez should know that if he has the stuff at Citi Field, there is a great chance that if he puts it all together, he will get it done here.

Finally, I think that Oliver Perez will be the first Met to ever throw a no-hitter, as he definitely has the talent and the defensive team behind hm. But, I also think that he would allow about 10 walks when he does this—would be one of the most memorable no-hitters in recent memory.