Minnesota Twins Francisco Liriano's No-Hitter Beats New York Mets by 7,740 Games

On Tuesday I watched Francisco Liriano complete a hit-less ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox.  It was a ninth inning that was preceded by eight other no-hit innings. 

Big congratulations are due to Liriano for accomplishing such a difficult feat.  It was Liriano's 95th career start and his first no-hitter. 

However, as Adam Dunn lined out to shortstop for the final out, I couldn't help but think of the New York Mets.  See, as you may not be aware, the Mets have never thrown a no-hitter—not in the 48-plus seasons in which they have been in existence. 

Not once in 7,835 total games played. 

Since 1962, Major League Baseball has seen more than 100 no-hitters thrown.  Last season, Roy Halladay alone, threw two no-hitters, one a perfect game against the Florida Marlins, the other a no-hitter in the National League Division Series' opening game against the Cincinnati Reds.

The Major League's record holder for no-hitters in a career is Nolan Ryan.  Ryan threw an amazing seven no-hitters throughout his illustrious career.  Coincidentally, Ryan broke into the Majors with the Mets in 1966, making 74 starts over the course of five seasons with the Metropolitans.  Ryan threw his first no-hitter on May 15, 1973.

Along with Ryan, the Mets organization boasts five other pitchers who have all gone on to record a no-hitter after their time with the Mets had come to an end.  One of these six pitchers, Tom Seaver, actually threw a no-hitter the season following his trade from the Mets to the Cincinnati Reds.

The other four pitchers who have accomplished this feat are Mike Scott, Dwight Gooden, David Cone and Hideo Nomo.  Nomo, to his credit, had actually thrown a no-hitter prior to joining the Mets as well as having thrown a second following his short tenure with the team.

There has been no shortage of Met pitchers with the capability of, when the stars align, throwing a no-hitter. 

Not including those pitchers already mentioned, over the years the Mets pitching staff has included the likes of Johan Santana, Tom Glavine, Jerry Koosman, Bret Saberhagen and Al Leiter among more than a handful of other pitchers who have possessed above-average pitching abilities.  In fact, the history of the Mets pitching staff is a virtual who's who of top-tier pitching talent.

Considering this plethora of talent the Mets have employed, it's no wonder the Mets, in their history have recorded a total of 35 one-hitters—the most recent being Aug. 13, 2010, when of all people, Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels, singled in the sixth inning off of knuckleballer R.A. Dickey.

However, of the 35 one-hitters hurled by Met pitchers, only two have reached the ninth frame without having allowed a hit.  In each of those instances, it was Tom Seaver on the mound for the Mets.

One of these days, weeks, months or years, the Mets will throw their first no-hitter.  It will happen.  It has to happen.  The law of averages is in their favor.  However, until that day arrives, all anyone can do is continue to keep the count—7,835 and think, maybe tomorrow!