1965 Sandy Koufax Perfect Game Program

Sold For:

$3,851

Year:

1965

Auction:

2013 Spring

Lot #:

1364

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Rare Los Angeles Dodgers program issued for the September 9, 1965, game against the Chicago Cubs, scored in pencil to record Sandy Koufax's perfect game. That Sandy Koufax was the most dominate pitcher in baseball in 1965 was more than apparent to even a casual fan. The fact that he had to punctuate it by tossing a perfect game on September 9th at Dodger Stadium was simply bad luck for the Chicago Cubs. Koufax set down all twenty-seven Cubs batters that day, only thirteen of whom managed to put the ball in play; the other fourteen, including the final six batters, were strikeout victims. Each of those fourteen strikeouts, including the results for all of the other Cubs and Dodgers batters, has been dutifully recorded in pencil on the interior scorecard section of the program. Also written in pencil on the Dodgers scorecard section is the attendance figure for the game, "29,139." Written in black ink on the top of the same page is the notation "Perfect Game By Sandy Koufax." The momentous event is also acknowledged by a similar black-ink notation along the top of the front cover, "Koufax's Perfect Game 1-0." While tossing a perfect game is challenging under any circumstances, Koufax almost had to be perfect on that day. Cubs starter Bob Hendley nearly matched Koufax; allowing only one hit in the game, a double to Lou Johnson in the seventh. Ironically, the Dodgers scored not in the seventh, but in the fifth, and did so without the benefit of a hit. Johnson walked to start the inning and was sacrificed to second. In his attempt to steal third base the throw went into left field and he scored on the error. That was all Koufax needed, as he rendered the Cubs' bats useless the entire day. At the time, Koufax became only the sixth pitcher in the modern era to achieve perfection in a game. It also marked the fourth and final no-hitter of his celebrated career. This is a exceedingly rare program from that historic event and the first that we have ever offered. The 28-page program (8.5 x 11 inches) displays moderate wear commensurate with its age and former use, including a few minor edge tears to both covers. In Very Good to Excellent condition overall. Reserve $500. Estimate (open). SOLD FOR $3,851.25