Tom Seaver Flirts With No-Hitter in 1972

Though Tom Seaver had what might be considered a “mild” year, his 1972 season was as solid as any team could hope for in a top ace. He posted a 21-12 record, including a thrilling win on Independence Day where he fell short of a no-hitter for the fourth time in his career. Seaver rung up 11 batters and kept the San Diego Padres hitless until Leron Lee notched a single with one out in the 9th inning. The Mets won over the Padres in the first game of a doubleheader at home, 2-0. “Tom Seaver is a flirt. One of these years he will get a date with Dame Destiny…a no-hitter,” wrote New York Daily News reporter Joe O’Day. He would record the only no-hitter of his career in 1978 as a Cincinnati Red.