A perfect game in any sport is very difficult to come by. In the MLB to this day, there have been only 23 perfect games from pitchers. The most recent occurrence came 8 years ago today. However, perfect games don’t make for a perfect career. All-time statistics sum up a career’s legacy, and today in sports history a player joined the illustrious 600-HR club. Events like these are never to be forgotten in the world of sports.

Rare Perfect Game

YEAR: 2012

SIGNIFICANCE: Felix Hernandez pitched the 23rd Perfect Game in MLB history

The long-time Ace of the Seattle Mariners, Felix Hernandez, threw a Perfect Game eight years ago today. “The King” threw the first perfect game in Mariners’ history, the 23rd in MLB history, and the third in the year 2012 (the most ever in a single season). Hernandez struck out 12 Rays during his immaculate appearance, throwing just 113 pitches. This outing came in the prime of Hernandez’s career. King Felix was two seasons removed from his Cy Young winning season (2010) and was in the fifth year of an eight-year streak of pitching more than 200 innings of at least a 108 ERA+ each season.

Thome's 600th HR

YEAR: 2011

SIGNIFICANCE: Jim Thome became the 8th player in MLB history to hit 600 career HRs

Jim Thome hit his 599th and his 600th career Home Runs nine years ago today. Thome took Rick Porcello deep in the sixth inning for his 599th HR and southpaw Daniel Schlereth for his milestone 600th long ball. Thome became just the eighth player in the history of the sport to reach that mark. Thome’s 600+ HR is part of his Hall of Fame plaque that also includes being a 5x All-Star and a Silver Slugger award. Thome still stands at No.8 on the all-time home runs list.

Drexler Acquisition

YEAR: 1980

SIGNIFICANCE: The Portland Trail Blazers made a trade that would result in them drafting Clyde Drexler in the first round

Exactly four decades ago, the Blazers traded TR Dunn and a first round pick to the Denver Nuggets. In return, Portland received a first and second round pick. The first round pick would be used on none other than Clyde “The Glide” Drexler, widely considered one of the greatest shooting guards to ever play the game. Drexler managed to lead the Trail Blazers to two NBA championships, as well as earn himself a spot on the 1992 U.S. Olympic Dream Team. Unfortunately for the Blazers, Clyde would not obtain his championship ring until moving to Houston.

Grand Slam Comeback

YEAR: 2019

SIGNIFICANCE: Bryce Harper hit a walk-off Grand Slam against the Cubs

In one of the greatest finishes of the 2019 season, Phillies’ OF Bryce Harper absolutely launched a walk-off Grand Slam to cap off a four-run comeback against the Chicago Cubs. Harper took a Derek Holland 95 mph fastball into the second deck of Citizens Ballpark in Philadelphia in front of a roaring crowd. According to Statcast, Harper’s game-winning shot traveled a distance of 413ft, came off the bat at 113 mph, and had a launch angle of 40 degrees.

Practice Nightmare

YEAR: 2019

SIGNIFICANCE: C DeMarcus Cousins tore his ACL in a practice just a month after signing with the Lakers

Dealing with injuries is about as frustrating as it gets for a professional athlete, as DeMarcus Cousins can now attest to. Cousins has unfortunately become a perfect example of an athlete whose career has been heavily impacted by injuries after missing the postseason with injuries now for three consecutive years. Following his move to the Los Angeles Lakers, Cousins tore his ACL exactly one year ago today. With three injuries in the span of the last 18 months, the path of the big man’s career is extremely unknown.