Johnny Vander Meer

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Johnny Vander Meer
Pitcher
Born: November 2, 1914
Prospect Park, New Jersey
Died: October 6, 1997 (aged 82)
Tampa, Florida
Batted: Switch Threw: Left
MLB debut
April 22, 1937
for the Cincinnati Reds
Final game
May 7, 1951
for the Cleveland Indians
Career statistics
Record     119-121
Earned Run Average     3.44
Strikeouts     1294
Teams
Career highlights and awards

John Samuel Vander Meer (November 2, 1914 - October 6, 1997) was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. From 1937 through 1951, he played for the Cincinnati Reds (1937-1949), Chicago Cubs (1950) and Cleveland Indians (1951). Vander Meer threw left-handed and batted as a switch hitter. He was born in Midland Park, New Jersey.

A four-time All-Star, Vander Meer compiled a 119-121 record with 1294 strikeouts and a 3.44 ERA in 2104.2 innings over a 13-year Major League career. He had 29 career shutouts, but two of the three he recorded in 1938 will be remembered most.

Vander Meer is the only pitcher in major league history to pitch two consecutive no-hitters. On June 11, 1938, he no-hit the Boston Braves at Crosley Field. Four nights later, in the first night game played at Ebbets Field, he no-hit the Brooklyn Dodgers. The only known baseball[1] that survives from this historic game is in the Seth Swirsky collection. After his double no-hit achievement, Reds' management wanted Vander Meer to change his uniform number to "00." He politely refused.

In 1952, having washed out of the majors, Vander Meer was still hanging on to the game, pitching in the Texas League for Tulsa. Fourteen years after he made history in the majors, Vander Meer no-hit Beaumont 12-0. Vander Meer was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 1958. He died in Tampa, Florida, at 82 years of age.

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Preceded by
Kirby Higbe		 National League Strikeout Champion
1941-1943		 Succeeded by
Bill Voiselle
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