On May 25, 2014, Josh Beckett threw a no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies in the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-0 win at Citizens Bank Park. The no-hitter was the first of Beckett’s career, and 24th in Dodgers franchise history — at the time.
Prior to Beckett, the Dodgers’ last no-hitter was thrown by Hideo Nomo against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Sept. 17, 1996. Clayton Kershaw followed in Beckett’s footsteps less than one month later by no-hitting the Rockies.
There have been 12 no-hitters since the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles in 1958. Beckett went to extraordinary measures to accomplish his feat.
The right-hander threw 128 pitches and needed to convince then-Dodgers manager Don Mattingly to allow him to remain in the game despite the soaring pitch count.
The Phillies’ lone baserunners came via three walks, and Beckett finished with six strikeouts. The final out came on a fastball for strike three to Chase Utley.
While most pitchers and players involved in a no-hitter in progress refrain from discussing that fact, Beckett went in the opposite direction. SportsNet LA often caught the veteran speaking and laughing with his teammates.
On this date three years ago, @joshbeckett tossed a no-hitter against the Phillies. #DodgersOTD pic.twitter.com/qEioUcfzta
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 25, 2017
Beckett was even seen on TV cameras talking to a police officer who was positioned in the Dodgers dugout. Beckett later said he was looking for anyone to speak with from the fourth inning on.
He finished 6-6 with a 2.88 ERA over 20 starts during the 2014 season. Over parts of three seasons with the Dodgers, Beckett went 8-14 with a 3.39 ERA in 35 starts. Beckett spent the final three months of 2014 on the disabled list due to a torn labrum in his hip.
He announced his plans to retire after the Dodgers were eliminated that year from the National League Division Series.
Kershaw makes MLB debut
Also on this day in Dodgers history, Kershaw made his MLB debut against the St. Louis Cardinals during the 2008 season.
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