The Infinite ERA

[SmokyBurgess]

I remember looking at old stats books years ago and seeing pitchers who have an ERA of infinity. Seeing that infinity symbol out beside your name must be pretty cool...giving up runs and not recording an out.

Why did I dream of being a successful pitcher in the majors???!!! Bring on the symbol!!

Anyone know of recent pitchers with an infinity ERA??

[pariah1107]

Well Vin Mazzaro recently gave up 14 runs in less than 3 innings.... poor guy, but unfortunately infinite ERA's usually come around at the end of the season with call ups.

[pariah1107]

I believe the oldest living member of the infinite ERA club is Michael Raymond Palagyi (b. 1917 - ), relief pitcher for the Washington Senators versus the Red Sox; faced Jimmy Foxx (hit by pitch), Ted Williams (walk), Joe Cronin (walk), and walked a fourth man. Hell if I had to face those three I'd call it a career too.

[SmokyBurgess]

Thanks for that great post. Doubt there are many recent players who are not allowed to pitch to enough batters to record at least one out.

[Mountaineer1999]

Are there any baseball cards that have an infinity entry on a pitchers stat line? If so I want that card.

[dgo71]

Wilson Alvarez had an ERA of infinity in his MLB debut. I think he has a few cards that show that in the stat line. His next start, with a different team a year later, he no-hit the Orioles.