On Sept. 9, 1965, Sandy Koufax threw a perfect game against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium. The Los Angeles Dodgers needed every bit of Koufax’s brilliance as Bob Hendley also turned in a gem that evening.
Los Angeles broke through in the fifth inning of the pitchers’ duel, sparked by Lou Johnson drawing a leadoff walk. After he was sacrificed into scoring position, Johnson attempted to steal third base.
The throw sailed into left field, and Johnson scored the Dodgers’ lone run. Hendley allowed just one hit in a performance that understandably is overshadowed.
Koufax struck out 14, including the final six batters he faced, en route to completing the Dodgers’ only perfect game in franchise history.