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I have been going to big league games on a regular basis since 1966. From 1968 to 1998, I saw 50 or more per year. Sometimes way more. In 1970, I saw two no-hitters in one month: Clyde Wright's and Bill Singer's. Two in one month ... I figured I'd see dozens of them in my time. Well, I didn't. I saw Nolan Ryan's fourth in 1975, and several of his near misses throughout the '70s. Then, the next no-hitter I saw live was Ryan's sixth in Oakland in 1990--15 years later. And I saw Ramon Martinez's all-fastball no-hitter in 1996. That's it! Way over 1500 games and only five no-hitters.
You may see one next month, or you may wait 20 years. It's fabulous and thrilling and unforgettable, no matter what. But a perfect game!? That is an immeasurably greater thrill.
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