Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies History: Roy Halladay Pitches Playoff No Hitter

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Roy Halladay waited for 13 years to finally make his postseason debut. When he had the chance with the Philadelphia Phillies on this day in 2010, he made sure his first playoff start was a memorable one.

Don Larsen was a relatively mediocre pitcher during his career, posting an 81-91 record during his 17 year career. While he pitched well with the Yankees in the mid-1950’s, Larsen was a swingman who bounced around the league after his time in New York. Yet, he will be forever remembered in baseball lore because of his perfect game in the 1956 World Series.

For decades, that was the only no hitter in postseason history, let alone perfect game. A few pitchers came close, but that second no hitter would remain elusive. That is, until this day in 2010, when Philadelphia Phillies starter Roy Halladay made his postseason debut a memorable one.

Halladay had cemented his place as one of the best starters in baseball during the 2000’s during his time in Toronto. He made six All Star Games, won a Cy Young award, and won 20 or more games twice, despite the Blue Jays hovering around .500 during those days. Finally on a contending team in Philadelphia, Halladay made his presence felt immediately, as he won another Cy Young award and finished sixth in the MVP vote.

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As dominant as Halladay was in the regular season, he saved his best for the playoffs. Given the ball for Game One of the 2010 National League Division Series against the Cincinnati Reds, Halladay made history, as he fired the second no hitter in postseason history.

While Philadelphia jumped out to a 4-0 lead after two innings, Halladay’s dominance quickly drew everyone’s attention. He did not allow a baserunner through the first 14 batters of the game, as the Reds got their first baserunner when Jay Bruce drew a bases loaded walk. However, that would be the only offense the Reds would get, as Halladay shut Cincinnati down the rest of the way, pitching a no hitter in his postseason debut.

While it is impossible to predict a no hitter at any point in time, it was fitting that Halladay would fire one in his first playoff start. For a time, he appeared as though he would be destined to be one of the best pitchers to never appear in the playoffs, until he was traded to the Phillies. There, with the spotlight squarely upon him, he delivered in the best possible way.

Roy Halladay may have had to wait quite some time to make his postseason debut, but he made his presence felt immediately. On this day in 2010, the Philadelphia Phillies ace threw the second no hitter in MLB postseason history.

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