20 years ago today: Phillies right-hander Tommy Greene throws no-hitter
May 23, 2011, 8:35 PM EDT
Getty Images May 23, 1991
Making just his second start of the season, the Phillies’ Tommy Greene, a former first-round pick of the Braves with six major league victories to his credit, pitched a no-hitter against the Expos, striking out 10 and walking seven in the process.
Facing the Expos again five days later, he hurled a second straight shutout, allowing three hits, walking none and striking out nine in what could be argued was an even better performance. He threw 130 pitches in the no-hitter, as opposed to 110 in the second shutout.
In all, Greene allowed one run over 31 innings during the month of May. He went on to finish the season 13-7 with a 3.38 ERA in 207 2/3 innings, a total he reached despite pitching out of the bullpen for six weeks.
Unfortunately, it was one of only two healthy seasons Greene would have as a major leaguer. After throwing 120 pitches eight times in 1991, including 136 and 133 in September outings, he went 3-3 with a 5.32 ERA in a 1992 season in which he was limited by shoulder problems.
Healthy again in 1993, he went 16-4 with a 3.42 ERA to finish sixth in the NL Cy Young balloting. However, he was a major bust in the postseason, giving up 17 runs over 11 2/3 innings in his three starts. In his lone World Series outing, he allowed seven runs in 2 1/3 innings in Game 4. The Phillies overcame his struggles and took a 12-7 lead in the fifth inning, only to eventually lose to the Blue Jays 15-14.
Suffering from more shoulder problems, Greene won just two major league games after 2003. He retired at age 30 after a 1997 season spent primarily with Houston’s Triple-A affiliate.
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- halladaysbiceps - May 23, 2011 at 8:55 PM
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I saw this game on the TV with my grand-uncle. Other than the 7 walks against the Expos, it was great to watch.
However, the GREATEST game I ever saw in person was Terry Mulholland’s no-hitter against the Giants at the Vet. I will probably never see another no-hitter live in my lifetime.
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- cup0pizza - May 23, 2011 at 9:50 PM
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Please don’t add needless Phillies stories when there are already more than enough. A no hitter with 7 walks is weaksauce.
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- halladaysbiceps - May 23, 2011 at 9:51 PM
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Go f yourself.
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- bobulated - May 23, 2011 at 10:42 PM
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+1
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- gnashbat - May 24, 2011 at 10:07 AM
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Reading this post makes me think Tommy Greene should be more well known for the time machine he apparently used to bounce between the 1990s and 2000s.
