Cubs History: A chronicle of no-hitters through the years

Cubs History: Sam Jones slams the door on Pittsburgh

The 1955 Cubs finished a ho-hum 72-81. And while another losing season in the books added to the misery, one joyous day came out of that season. On May 12, 1955, Sam Jones, who was in his first year in Chicago, became the first starter in history to throw a no-hitter at Wrigley Field.

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Jones had come into the season after being out of baseball for three years after suffering from bursitis in his throwing arm and played around various leagues between his major league stint, including time spent out of the United States.

After being stuck in the minors, he threatened to quit baseball altogether. The Cubs acquired Jones from the Cleveland Indians and a few other amenities for a player to be named later who incidentally turned out to be future Hall of Fame slugger Ralph Kiner.

In his first year in the Cubs’ organization, Jones earned an All-Star nod after pitching to a first-half 3.78 ERA. On that crisp May afternoon, in front of only 2,918 fans in the stands, Jones added his name to the history books. In the Pirates lineup that day was MLB legend Roberto Clemente, who finished 0-4, including one strikeout. Jones walked seven batters and recorded six strikeouts. He also helped himself at the dish by producing a 2-for-4 day.