Harvey Haddix, American baseball player and coach (b. 1925)

Harvey Haddix, Jr. (September 18, 1925 – January 8, 1994) was a distinguished American professional baseball left-handed pitcher and later a respected pitching coach, whose remarkable career spanned the golden era of Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1952 to 1965. Known for his durability and precision on the mound, Haddix left an indelible mark on the sport, particularly through an extraordinary, though ultimately unrecorded, perfect game performance.

Born in Medway, Ohio, a community situated just outside Springfield, Haddix embarked on his professional journey with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1952. It was during his rookie campaign with the Cardinals that he earned the memorable nickname "The Kitten." This moniker was bestowed upon him due to his striking resemblance in pitching style and demeanor to the team’s veteran left-hander, Harry "The Cat" Brecheen, a formidable pitcher known for his deceptive delivery and quiet intensity. "The Kitten" quickly established himself as a promising young arm, living up to the high standards set by his namesake.

The Unforgettable May 26, 1959: A Near-Perfect Masterpiece

Harvey Haddix etched his name into baseball lore on May 26, 1959, with one of the most remarkable pitching performances in Major League history. Facing the powerful Milwaukee Braves, a formidable team boasting future Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews, Haddix, then pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates, delivered an astonishing display of control and dominance.

A Flawless Performance Against Baseball Legends

For an unprecedented 12 consecutive innings, Haddix retired every single batter he faced, achieving a "perfect game" state through regulation and into extra innings. This meant no hits, no walks, and no errors by his defense, a feat that had never been sustained for such an extended period in MLB history. He faced 36 batters and retired all 36, showcasing incredible stamina and pinpoint accuracy against a lineup renowned for its offensive prowess. The tension in Milwaukee's County Stadium was palpable as Haddix continued to baffle the Braves, inning after inning, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible on a baseball diamond.

The Heartbreaking Conclusion

Tragically, despite his flawless pitching, the Pirates’ offense was equally stifled, failing to score a single run for Haddix. The game remained locked in a scoreless tie, pushing the contest into the 13th inning. It was in the bottom of the 13th that Haddix's perfect bid, and ultimately his no-hitter, was broken. The sequence began with Felix Mantilla reaching base on a throwing error by third baseman Don Hoak, marking the first base runner of the game for the Braves. An intentional walk to Eddie Mathews followed, setting the stage for Joe Adcock, who then delivered a double to left-center field. This hit drove in Mantilla, securing a 1-0 victory for the Milwaukee Braves and handing Haddix a heartbreaking loss, despite his historically perfect 12 innings.

Although the record books do not officially recognize it as a perfect game due to the loss and the extra innings, Haddix’s 12-inning perfect performance remains an unparalleled benchmark of pitching excellence and one of the most incredible individual efforts in baseball history.

A Stellar Career Beyond the Perfection

While the 1959 near-perfect game defines a significant part of his legacy, Haddix's career was rich with achievements and consistent performance. His prime playing years saw him contribute significantly to several Major League franchises:

1960 World Series Champion: The Mazeroski Moment

A crowning achievement in Haddix's career came in 1960 as a key member of the Pittsburgh Pirates team that dramatically won the World Series against the powerhouse New York Yankees. Considered significant underdogs, the Pirates faced a formidable Yankees squad that had dominated the league. In a thrilling Game Seven, which saw lead changes and intense pressure, Haddix entered in relief and became the winning pitcher. This historic victory culminated when Pirates second baseman Bill Mazeroski famously hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning, securing the championship and cementing Haddix's place as a World Series champion.

Legacy and Beyond the Mound

Harvey Haddix retired from playing in 1965, leaving behind a legacy as a durable, consistent, and at times, absolutely dominant left-handed pitcher. His adaptability, moving from a frontline starter to an effective reliever, exemplified the professional longevity of players from his era. Following his playing career, Haddix transitioned into a pitching coach, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with younger generations of ballplayers. His profound impact on the game, marked by both individual brilliance and championship success, ensures his continued recognition in baseball history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Harvey Haddix

What was Harvey Haddix's most famous game?
Harvey Haddix is most renowned for his unprecedented 12-inning perfect game bid against the powerful Milwaukee Braves on May 26, 1959. Although he pitched 12 perfect innings, the Pittsburgh Pirates lost the game 1-0 in the 13th inning, which means it is not officially recognized as a perfect game by MLB rules due to the loss and the extra innings.
Did Harvey Haddix ever win a World Series?
Yes, Harvey Haddix was a World Series champion with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1960. He was the winning pitcher in the decisive Game Seven against the New York Yankees, a game famously concluded by Bill Mazeroski's walk-off home run.
Why was Harvey Haddix nicknamed "The Kitten"?
Harvey Haddix earned the nickname "The Kitten" during his rookie season with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1952. This was due to his pitching style and general resemblance to veteran Cardinals left-hander Harry "The Cat" Brecheen, known for his deceptive delivery.