Bert Blyleven No-Hitter July 28, 1987

Lore & Background

Blyleven's no-hitter is legendary for its timing; it was the third no-hitter ever thrown in a domed stadium in the American League, following a combined no-hitter by Vida Blue and three relievers on September 21, 1975, at the Kingdome, and Jim Colborn's 1977 no-hitter at the same venue. The game highlighted the unique acoustics and controlled environment of Minnesota baseball. The game showcased Blyleven's signature variety of pitches—his devastating curveball and sharp slider—which kept the Rangers' bats silent throughout nine innings. It remains a testament to his longevity and skill, cementing his place in Twins folklore as the 'Big Dutchman' who could still throw strikes when it mattered most.

In Their Own Story

The artificial turf of the Metrodome felt different that night, perhaps because the air was so still inside the dome. Blyleven stepped onto the mound, his face a mask of concentration, ignoring the murmurs of fans wondering if he had enough left in the tank. As the Texas batter swung and missed at a hanging curveball for the final out, the silence broke into a roar that bounced off the white roof, echoing the realization that history had just been written by a man who refused to fade away.

Reader's Guide

The game began with Blyleven settling into an early rhythm, striking out the first batter he faced. The Twins' offense provided timely support in the second inning, scoring two runs on a sacrifice fly and a single, establishing a lead that would never be threatened. As the innings wore on, Blyleven navigated several close calls, including a bases-loaded situation in the fifth that he escaped by inducing a groundout. His control was impeccable, walking only one batter while striking out nine throughout the game. The Twins added three more runs in the eighth inning to pad the score to 5-0. In the ninth, with two outs and a runner on first, Blyleven faced his final challenge. He struck out the side to complete the no-hitter, securing a 5-0 victory that remains one of the most celebrated performances in franchise history.

Did You Know?

• This was the third no-hitter ever thrown in a domed stadium in the American League; the first was a combined no-hitter by Vida Blue and three relievers on September 21, 1975, at the Kingdome, followed by Jim Colborn's in
• Blyleven had previously pitched for the Texas Rangers before joining the Twins, adding a layer of irony and poignancy to his victory over them.
• The game featured only one walk by Blyleven, showcasing remarkable control despite the high-pressure environment.