Saw it in person, and we were indeed all there with you on the mound after Blanco’s grab. Thanks for being such a great Giant. Classiest player in a long long time.
Any real giants’ fan knows you would accomplish this tremendous feat sooner or later. Thanks for cementing your reputation in the history of the MLB with San Francisco. i.e. you make us look good.
Congratulations Matt! I watched the game with my 15-year old daughter and insisted that she sit with me and watch until the end when it felt like something special was happening following the 5th inning. She will always remember it and will tell her kids about it. You mightily deserve all the praise you are receiving for this incredible feat. It was a team effort, but you made it happen! Keep up the great attitude and example for our young people in sports and in life!
Congratulations and thanks for being a Giant so we fans can share it with you!
(Thanks also for a great game on June 2 for the 1912 game which I attended and had a great day.)
Congrats Matty! I’ve been a fan of yours since you came up with the Giants and am so happy for you that you achieved this historic feat for the Giants. You have always been “Super Nova Cain” to me! You’ve led the team for years and now this…and you’ll be a Giant for years to come! Keep on being the steady player you’ve always been and you’ll have more accolades in your future. I’m so proud of you and the team, and I’m proud to be a Giants fan!
Matty Ice Clutch Baby, that was an amazing performance. I remember seeing you during the championship parade during 2010. I also got to see you pitch on opening day and and on the turn back the century game. i wish i was able to see this game (my god mother had tickets, i had just been to the game the night before too…) i gonna go out on a limb and say that you are my favorite pitcher in the majors and the best. if anybody deserved it, you did. Congrats and best wishes on the rest of the season.
Congradulations Matt. I am so proud to be a Giant and my dad and I love watching you pitch. You deserve this after all the hard work you put in with San Francisco and it will be remembered forever amongst all of us. Giants Fan Forever
Matt! You of all people deserved this one. I knew if any of the giants starters could pull something like this off it would be you. Thanks for being so hardworking, dedicated, and consistant over the years. Your attitude and humility is truly remarkable and inspiring, here’s to a great rest of the season, a successful post season, and an all star game start. You deserve it all and sf loves you!!!
Congratulations Matt!!! I know how hard you’ve worked, and how amazing an accomplishment this is for you to make Giants’ history. Your hard work and dedication show, and have most definitely paid off. I’m so happy for you and I’m so glad Chelsea was able to be there for such a historic night. Wishing you the best,
Bethanie
Wednesday night I had the opportunity to go see my favorite team play for the only time all year long. I was pretty happy to go to the game seeing as how I wouldn’t be able to make any trips to AT&T all year long due to school in San Diego. I figured the day would go as most Giants games I attend: I’d go there, root hard, and watch my team play a game against the Astros, nothing too special, as the Astros have no real star power. The most exciting thing for me going into the game was “hey, I’ve never seen Matt Cain pitch in person, so I’m excited to see him, and the Giants better not bench Posey tonight.” Strange I had never seen Matt Cain pitch, I’ve seen Livan Hernadez, Russ Ortiz, Jason Schmidt, Lincecum, Zito, Bumgarner, Todd Wellemeyer, and Jonathan Sanchez, over my travels to San Francisco, but never Matt Cain. Cain was always my favorite Giant pitcher since he was called up Yes, Lincecum was “the Freak”, but Cain came up in a year where the giants really needed to find a new pitcher, and his personality was one that makes you think he’s just a normal guy who just wants to win games.
However, my thought process for this game was that it’d be one of those close games where the Giants can’t hit a lick, and Matt Cain had to do everything for the team. I love my Giants but I think you can’t be a real Giant fan unless you’re a skeptic, good stuff isn’t supposed to happen to us. Maybe that’s all changed since 2010, but I doubted I’d ever be able to shake my doubts.
Anyway, as I arrived to the game my first mission was to buy a new Giants hat at the Dugout store. The last time I bought a hat there was 2010, and the Giants won the world series that year, so being a superstitious baseball geek I figured I needed to do this again in order to give the Giants any kind of chance this year. I got my hat, a Posey shirt to replace the Wilson tee I was currently wearing and made my way to my seats. I got to my seats where I watched the Astros take BP and went to grab some food before the first pitch.
Game time, it was 7:15 and Matt Cain throws a first pitch strike to start the game (his first of 19 on the night). Cain pitches a great inning and gets out of it 1-2-3 with two K’s and the Giants are due up. Since Cain was pitching tonight I just figured Giants would do something dumb, start game with 2 guys on and hit into a double play or something like that. However, I was gladly wrong. The game becomes the most fun Giants game I’ve ever been to once Cabrera steps up to the plate. I can hear this guy next to me yelling to his friend “dude you’ve got to check this out there is a guy in the cove on a JETPACK! It’s crazy!” The guy replies, “whatever man, hold on I wanna see Melky hit.” I’m thinking, “nice this guy’s a true fan next to me. There is a dude in the cove on a jetpack and he doesn’t even care.” Neither did I, however I wanted Cabrera do something. First pitch and boom, two run homerun. I’m thinking “sweet! That’s the ball game we’ve got Cain a two run lead already , this is over,” then I take a quick glance to the Cove, and sure enough there is jetpack dude, just flying in the bay, no big deal. Two more outs and inning over, Cain gets ready to take the mound.
Inning two starts and again Cain goes 1-2-3 with a K. At this point Cain already looks dialed in, he’s hitting every single spot and gets the Giants back to the plate. For the second straight game Belt goes yard and the Giants get a total of three runs in the bottom of the second , I text some friends, “This is the most UnMatt Cain game ever, 5-0 in the third?” Again Cain goes 1-2-3 with two more K’s, and I’m pretty into the game at this point; the Giants are hitting, Cain is dealing – looks like it’ll be a blowout. Jokingly I think only a no hitter is going to keep all these fans here tonight. Who knew?
So once Cain takes the mound in the fourth I get the first real thought of a perfect game, I wondered if Cain had given a hit up yet and then look to the scoreboard see a 0 in the Astros hit column and think, “cool I can root for a perfect game now,” still Jokingly, but now it’s at least on my mind, but it wasn’t until the fifth inning until I had concern about the perfecto.
In the bottom of the fifth Cain hits a single between shortstop and third base and I’m thinking, “oh great Cain is going to have to run the bases now and get tired, we need to get him off soon.” Sure enough next batter is Blanco, and he drives it for a home run, getting Cain off base and letting him rest. It’s now a full-on blowout 10-0 after the fifth with Cain in complete control.
As the sixth inning starts I’m thinking “I may actually be witnessing the best pitching performance in Giants history tonight.” And not just me, but everyone else at the park knew that Cain had a shot at this perfecto as well; every out was electric after the fifth inning. Then in the sixth I thought it was all over. Snyder hit a ball off Cain that looked like a no-doubt home run, but Melky just kept running I was thinking “ here it is, he’s going to rob the homer for that one play every no-hitter needs.” But the ball just somehow died, and fell right at the warning track for a rather routine fly ball. 42,000 people let out a big sigh of relief, then one giant cheer. After that I looked at my dad and we both knew the situation, but neither of us said a word, just “Cain’s pitching pretty good, 11 K’s already” trying to follow the golden rule of no-hitters by not jinxing it.
From the seventh inning on the entire crowd was filled with energy on every pitch, by far the loudest I’ve ever heard at a baseball game. The seventh inning is where just about anyone will be able to tell you they knew Cain was going to get the perfect game and it came right after the amazing catch by Blanco. I don’t think I’ve ever been so into a game like this. As soon as that ball was hit I’m yelling “crap there it is, it’s over…wait Blanco is still running like he’s going to catch it, no way he’s actually going to get there.” He then makes the greatest catch I’ve ever seen in person and the crowd just goes nuts.
I’m talking you would have thought we just won the world series again. Everyone is jumping up and down, high fiving people who they don’t even know. After that play it felt like it was destined. That was it, the one play that needs to happen to make a perfect game. Was it by sheer luck that the Giants had just changed their outfield to shift left? Nope, it was the baseball gods repaying Matt Cain. That had to be the only explanation, here I am in San Francisco watching what could be the greatest pitching performance in the history of baseball, I couldn’t think of anything else. As the seventh inning ended I’m just hoping the Giants at bats go quickly, I just want to see Cain back on the mound.
At this point I’m doing anything I can to not jinx the game and I mean anything. It was so cold outside but I hadn’t had my sweatshirt on all night, so I couldn’t put it on, my belt felt so awkward and needed to be fixed, but it had been that way all night so why change it now? I couldn’t do anything to mess with the karma of the game. That’s what makes these situations so great, the suspense of every single pitch. Cain knows he has the perfect game. You can tell he’s trying to stay calm but you can see his nerves as he skips one to the plate as it hits the backstop for a ball. Still Cain strikes out one more batter in the eighth and ends the inning, still perfect.
I can’t sit down at this point I’m too excited, it seems another 40,000+ felt the same way as then everyone stood and waited for the giants to get to the top of the ninth, thankfully the Giants went 1-2-3 and Cain walked out to the mound. I look at my dad and we just say “this is it, Giants can get a win here, Cain’s at 14K’s this game, pretty impressive.” Not a single word about the perfecto, no way is this going to be my fault for talking about it. All game I’ve told myself he can do it, but he won’t, it can’t happen because I’m at the game, this is still the Giants, I’m trying to make myself not believe its going to happen. But I couldn’t help it when Cain takes the mound and the entire place erupts. I can’t help but yell as loud as I can either, taking in the moment. “Screw it this IS going to happen it’s MATT CAIN.” First batter and a fly ball to Melky that’s just foul but caught.
Out number one.
Everyone is as loud as they possibly could be as Cain takes on batter number two, it’s Snyder again and he already had a nicely hit ball that Cabrera caught at the wall so I’m pretty nervous. Snyder ends up getting out in front and under a ball and hits a fly ball to Melky again.
Out number two.
At this point I’ve never been more excited. Not the 2010 world series win even, maybe it was the fact I was at the ballpark, one of 42,000 in the entire world, and history of the Giants to ever witness this game. That’s when Castro came to the plate as a pinch hitter. Great, this Stanford alum is going to ruin everything, he probably has family at the game, he has every reason in the world to want to stop this perfect game. Cain was at 124 pitches with a 1-2 count he steps off the mound and takes a look around the park, soaking in the moment and the crowd somehow gets even louder as Cain gets back to the mound and then throws pitch 125. It’s a well hit ball to Arias, the kind that you can just beat out for a hit, but Arias fields it perfectly as everyone holds their breath and then fires a bullet to Belt at first, beating Castro to the bag by at least two steps.
Out number three. Out number twenty-seven.
That was it, I just witnessed the greatest pitching performance in Giants history, I must have been yelling for a good 10 minutes non-stop. I couldn’t believe it. I high fived my dad a couple of times as we couldn’t hold in the emotions, it was crazy every single fan was jumping up and down as if we had just hit a walk-off homerun in Game 7 of the world series. 128 years and no Giant has ever done it and I was there to witness it. It was no doubt the greatest game of my life, and something that I’ll be able to talk about for years. As the crowd started to calm Amy G began to interview Cain, after just being mobbed by the whole team he went on to talk about the best game of his life. As they interviewed him I was starting to think, it had to be Matt Cain. It had to be him to accomplish this feat. I don’t think there is a guy who deserves it more than him. The only way to describe Matt Cain is that he is Matt Cain. That’s it there’s no one like him. A great personality and a better pitcher, and there will only ever be one Matt Cain.
That was a great game. Tied for the most Ks in a perfecto, second youngest in NL history, 1st in Giants history and the most pitches to do it. Statistically, best perfecto ever! Great job, Matt. I’m very proud of you. Go Giants!
Matt, you have been a great pitcher and leader on this team. I love how you pitch with a quiet but dominating way. I was at your perfect game in the center field bleachers and all 42,000+ were going crazy. We all love you work horse and I am so happy that you will be a giant for many years to come.
Congratulations Matt!! Honestly can’t think of another pitcher in the MLB that deserves this amazing accomplishment. This team is so exciting to watch play ball. Let the tourture continue all the way to the World Series. We will be coming out to the park Friday to see you in action. Kudos to Buster for calling an amazing game as well. We love our G-men!
I’m A Lifelong Giants And I Never Thought I Would See A Perferct Game!..Thank You For The Great Memory Of Your Perferct Game,Your The Best Giant Pitcher Ever!Keep Up The Great Work! GO GIANTS!!
First of congrats Matt! I just wanted to say that it was amazing what u did! When I was 17 I had a full ride baseball scholarship to a college in Nebraska, but unfortunately I got in a fight with a guy for slapping my mom and went to prison for 4 years.. I got out and played a little j.c ball but never really got the shot to show what I could do again, I’m 25 years old now and cook as a sue chef but watching every inning of your perfect game gave me back some passion! Tha k u and congrats again.. Giants for ever!!
Hey Matt, just wanted to say that you’ve been my favorite Giants pitcher since you first joined the rotation buddy. We all love the freak and the rest, of course, but I’m thrilled to finally see you getting the recognition you deserve! I was there for all 3 of your dazzling 2010 post season performances, and I’m thrilled that I was there to witness history once again on June 13th, 2012! I recorded the entire 9th inning – here’s how history looked from MY seat. ENJOY!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU3EYghBAoU
Great job Matt Cain, you desrved and earned it!! I just want to say thank you for the best birthday present that a boy can ask for! My birthday, my favorite team, my favorite pitcher, and you throws a perfect game! Wow! Thanks so much Matt memories from that game will be forever framed on my wall!
Congrats Matt! I wish you, your wife, and your daughter the greatest and good luck on continuing the already hall-of-fame season. Long time, hardcore Giants fans, like myself, couldn’t ask for a better pitcher in all of the Major Leagues. Congratulations again!
there seemed to be something special going on in the yard from the first pitch ! the highlights of arias’ awkward catch to belt still freaks me out ! i’m glad it was you…
In the beginning of the 6th I said to my hubby ” He’s working on a no-no…” we didn’t say anything else about it till the 8th and then it was mostly squeals and groans…Thanks, Matt, and congratulations!
Matt you were my Moms favorite player. She passed away Sept. 2010. I believe my Mom was the Angel in the outfield that knocked that ball back in that one game. Because when I seen it bounce back I thought of her and cried. That day of your perfect game I was sad I had been thinking of my Mom all day. Walked in the house to catch the 7th inning…. Ooooooooh Man did my spirits lift. When that final out came…… I was so happy for you. Later I cried because I thought about how I was sad and how I felt better My Moms favorite Pitcher Pitched aPerfect Game. ❤
Matt, you did amazing. Watching that game was crazy and something I will never forget. You and the guys did an awesome job that night. You guys are a pretty special team and I’m glad you’ll be a Giant for years to come. I’m so happy for you, it couldn’t have happened to a better guy. Anyways, great job!
Not much that hasn’t already been said. Congratulations and see you in the hall of fame in a few years. Hopefully after a Cy Young or two and a few more World Series wins.
Matt you were my Moms favorite player. She passed away Sept. 2010. I believe my Mom was the Angel in the outfield that knocked that ball back in that one game. Because when I seen it bounce back I thought of her and cried. That day of your perfect game I was sad I had been thinking of my Mom all day. Walked in the house to catch the 7th inning…. Ooooooooh Man did my
I remember watching the game, when Cain was just bombing away, throwing strikes and striking batters out. The weird thing is, I am only 13 years old. I am such a Giants fan that I want to meet the players personally up close, face to face. When Gregor Blanco made that diving catch, my eyes literally started bulging and I jumped for joy. Congratulations Matt Cain! You will always be my favorite pitcher.
We are all so proud of you! We knew you had it in you! Thank you for putting our Giants, once again, on top! I am so thankful I was able to see our World Series WIN! Be at the parade homecoming with my husband and kids! And to be able to watch your perfect game!! And what a team effort! You were all amazing!! And together we are GIANT!!! 😉
How awesome to come out of my surprise birthday night out at the opera to find that Matt Cain pitched a PERFECT GAME! Thanks for making my day that much more special 😀 Congrats!!!
Will never forget watching you that day with my 11-year-old little league pitcher, baseball enthusiast, Giants fan, MLB aspiring son. What a wonderful experience for us to share together as a family watching you have your BIG game, watching your teammates go all out for you to help make it happen, and watching you do it with all of your humility and grace. Thank you for being a fabulous example to our young ones!!!
Congratulations on a well deserved perfect game. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer or a more humble guy. Being a Giants fan in NJ is hard not being able to see them more often, but I have Comcast MLB so I can get most of the games. It was a dream come true when they won in 2010 and to see Matt pitch that perfect game brought it all back. Keep up the good work. #18 in your programs…#1 in your hearts!
Congrats Matt! My friend who isn’t a Giants fan (poor fool) was talking smack when we signed that 5-year contract with you at the beginning of the season and I told him to just watch. Man did you show the world! Way to go man! So proud of you and to have you on the Giants! Keep rockin it! We’re behind you!!!
Congrats, Matt. The Giants have kept me going through a lot of hard times, and you’re the poster boy for the courage and heart of this team. Thanks for all you’ve done for the team and for the city. You deserve this piece of history!
Congrats Matty! Went to the game for my birthday, and couldn’t have asked for a better present. Never thought I would live long enough to witness a game like that, and I am very happy it came from you. Thanks for all your hard work over the years, you deserve this.
Did you Know that Matt Cain is the second youngest pitcher in the national league to pitch a perfect game. Good game, you deserved it after all of your complete games. Congrats
OFFICIAL PRAISING CAIN! GREETING CARD 
Saw it in person, and we were indeed all there with you on the mound after Blanco’s grab. Thanks for being such a great Giant. Classiest player in a long long time.
Any real giants’ fan knows you would accomplish this tremendous feat sooner or later. Thanks for cementing your reputation in the history of the MLB with San Francisco. i.e. you make us look good.
Congratulations Matt! I watched the game with my 15-year old daughter and insisted that she sit with me and watch until the end when it felt like something special was happening following the 5th inning. She will always remember it and will tell her kids about it. You mightily deserve all the praise you are receiving for this incredible feat. It was a team effort, but you made it happen! Keep up the great attitude and example for our young people in sports and in life!
Congrats big guy… Your new name in my house is ZEROES! Nothing but zeroes! See what run support an do for you.
Congratulations Matt!
Congratulations and thanks for being a Giant so we fans can share it with you!
(Thanks also for a great game on June 2 for the 1912 game which I attended and had a great day.)
Congrats Matty! I’ve been a fan of yours since you came up with the Giants and am so happy for you that you achieved this historic feat for the Giants. You have always been “Super Nova Cain” to me! You’ve led the team for years and now this…and you’ll be a Giant for years to come! Keep on being the steady player you’ve always been and you’ll have more accolades in your future. I’m so proud of you and the team, and I’m proud to be a Giants fan!
Matty Ice Clutch Baby, that was an amazing performance. I remember seeing you during the championship parade during 2010. I also got to see you pitch on opening day and and on the turn back the century game. i wish i was able to see this game (my god mother had tickets, i had just been to the game the night before too…) i gonna go out on a limb and say that you are my favorite pitcher in the majors and the best. if anybody deserved it, you did. Congrats and best wishes on the rest of the season.
Congradulations Matt. I am so proud to be a Giant and my dad and I love watching you pitch. You deserve this after all the hard work you put in with San Francisco and it will be remembered forever amongst all of us. Giants Fan Forever
Congrats! Couldn’t have happened to a more deserving man.
Matt! You of all people deserved this one. I knew if any of the giants starters could pull something like this off it would be you. Thanks for being so hardworking, dedicated, and consistant over the years. Your attitude and humility is truly remarkable and inspiring, here’s to a great rest of the season, a successful post season, and an all star game start. You deserve it all and sf loves you!!!
You are a Badass!!!!!!!! What a great game to watch! Grew up a Giants fan, I was in tears….
Congratulations Matt!!! I know how hard you’ve worked, and how amazing an accomplishment this is for you to make Giants’ history. Your hard work and dedication show, and have most definitely paid off. I’m so happy for you and I’m so glad Chelsea was able to be there for such a historic night. Wishing you the best,
Bethanie
Wednesday night I had the opportunity to go see my favorite team play for the only time all year long. I was pretty happy to go to the game seeing as how I wouldn’t be able to make any trips to AT&T all year long due to school in San Diego. I figured the day would go as most Giants games I attend: I’d go there, root hard, and watch my team play a game against the Astros, nothing too special, as the Astros have no real star power. The most exciting thing for me going into the game was “hey, I’ve never seen Matt Cain pitch in person, so I’m excited to see him, and the Giants better not bench Posey tonight.” Strange I had never seen Matt Cain pitch, I’ve seen Livan Hernadez, Russ Ortiz, Jason Schmidt, Lincecum, Zito, Bumgarner, Todd Wellemeyer, and Jonathan Sanchez, over my travels to San Francisco, but never Matt Cain. Cain was always my favorite Giant pitcher since he was called up Yes, Lincecum was “the Freak”, but Cain came up in a year where the giants really needed to find a new pitcher, and his personality was one that makes you think he’s just a normal guy who just wants to win games.
However, my thought process for this game was that it’d be one of those close games where the Giants can’t hit a lick, and Matt Cain had to do everything for the team. I love my Giants but I think you can’t be a real Giant fan unless you’re a skeptic, good stuff isn’t supposed to happen to us. Maybe that’s all changed since 2010, but I doubted I’d ever be able to shake my doubts.
Anyway, as I arrived to the game my first mission was to buy a new Giants hat at the Dugout store. The last time I bought a hat there was 2010, and the Giants won the world series that year, so being a superstitious baseball geek I figured I needed to do this again in order to give the Giants any kind of chance this year. I got my hat, a Posey shirt to replace the Wilson tee I was currently wearing and made my way to my seats. I got to my seats where I watched the Astros take BP and went to grab some food before the first pitch.
Game time, it was 7:15 and Matt Cain throws a first pitch strike to start the game (his first of 19 on the night). Cain pitches a great inning and gets out of it 1-2-3 with two K’s and the Giants are due up. Since Cain was pitching tonight I just figured Giants would do something dumb, start game with 2 guys on and hit into a double play or something like that. However, I was gladly wrong. The game becomes the most fun Giants game I’ve ever been to once Cabrera steps up to the plate. I can hear this guy next to me yelling to his friend “dude you’ve got to check this out there is a guy in the cove on a JETPACK! It’s crazy!” The guy replies, “whatever man, hold on I wanna see Melky hit.” I’m thinking, “nice this guy’s a true fan next to me. There is a dude in the cove on a jetpack and he doesn’t even care.” Neither did I, however I wanted Cabrera do something. First pitch and boom, two run homerun. I’m thinking “sweet! That’s the ball game we’ve got Cain a two run lead already , this is over,” then I take a quick glance to the Cove, and sure enough there is jetpack dude, just flying in the bay, no big deal. Two more outs and inning over, Cain gets ready to take the mound.
Inning two starts and again Cain goes 1-2-3 with a K. At this point Cain already looks dialed in, he’s hitting every single spot and gets the Giants back to the plate. For the second straight game Belt goes yard and the Giants get a total of three runs in the bottom of the second , I text some friends, “This is the most UnMatt Cain game ever, 5-0 in the third?” Again Cain goes 1-2-3 with two more K’s, and I’m pretty into the game at this point; the Giants are hitting, Cain is dealing – looks like it’ll be a blowout. Jokingly I think only a no hitter is going to keep all these fans here tonight. Who knew?
So once Cain takes the mound in the fourth I get the first real thought of a perfect game, I wondered if Cain had given a hit up yet and then look to the scoreboard see a 0 in the Astros hit column and think, “cool I can root for a perfect game now,” still Jokingly, but now it’s at least on my mind, but it wasn’t until the fifth inning until I had concern about the perfecto.
In the bottom of the fifth Cain hits a single between shortstop and third base and I’m thinking, “oh great Cain is going to have to run the bases now and get tired, we need to get him off soon.” Sure enough next batter is Blanco, and he drives it for a home run, getting Cain off base and letting him rest. It’s now a full-on blowout 10-0 after the fifth with Cain in complete control.
As the sixth inning starts I’m thinking “I may actually be witnessing the best pitching performance in Giants history tonight.” And not just me, but everyone else at the park knew that Cain had a shot at this perfecto as well; every out was electric after the fifth inning. Then in the sixth I thought it was all over. Snyder hit a ball off Cain that looked like a no-doubt home run, but Melky just kept running I was thinking “ here it is, he’s going to rob the homer for that one play every no-hitter needs.” But the ball just somehow died, and fell right at the warning track for a rather routine fly ball. 42,000 people let out a big sigh of relief, then one giant cheer. After that I looked at my dad and we both knew the situation, but neither of us said a word, just “Cain’s pitching pretty good, 11 K’s already” trying to follow the golden rule of no-hitters by not jinxing it.
From the seventh inning on the entire crowd was filled with energy on every pitch, by far the loudest I’ve ever heard at a baseball game. The seventh inning is where just about anyone will be able to tell you they knew Cain was going to get the perfect game and it came right after the amazing catch by Blanco. I don’t think I’ve ever been so into a game like this. As soon as that ball was hit I’m yelling “crap there it is, it’s over…wait Blanco is still running like he’s going to catch it, no way he’s actually going to get there.” He then makes the greatest catch I’ve ever seen in person and the crowd just goes nuts.
I’m talking you would have thought we just won the world series again. Everyone is jumping up and down, high fiving people who they don’t even know. After that play it felt like it was destined. That was it, the one play that needs to happen to make a perfect game. Was it by sheer luck that the Giants had just changed their outfield to shift left? Nope, it was the baseball gods repaying Matt Cain. That had to be the only explanation, here I am in San Francisco watching what could be the greatest pitching performance in the history of baseball, I couldn’t think of anything else. As the seventh inning ended I’m just hoping the Giants at bats go quickly, I just want to see Cain back on the mound.
At this point I’m doing anything I can to not jinx the game and I mean anything. It was so cold outside but I hadn’t had my sweatshirt on all night, so I couldn’t put it on, my belt felt so awkward and needed to be fixed, but it had been that way all night so why change it now? I couldn’t do anything to mess with the karma of the game. That’s what makes these situations so great, the suspense of every single pitch. Cain knows he has the perfect game. You can tell he’s trying to stay calm but you can see his nerves as he skips one to the plate as it hits the backstop for a ball. Still Cain strikes out one more batter in the eighth and ends the inning, still perfect.
I can’t sit down at this point I’m too excited, it seems another 40,000+ felt the same way as then everyone stood and waited for the giants to get to the top of the ninth, thankfully the Giants went 1-2-3 and Cain walked out to the mound. I look at my dad and we just say “this is it, Giants can get a win here, Cain’s at 14K’s this game, pretty impressive.” Not a single word about the perfecto, no way is this going to be my fault for talking about it. All game I’ve told myself he can do it, but he won’t, it can’t happen because I’m at the game, this is still the Giants, I’m trying to make myself not believe its going to happen. But I couldn’t help it when Cain takes the mound and the entire place erupts. I can’t help but yell as loud as I can either, taking in the moment. “Screw it this IS going to happen it’s MATT CAIN.” First batter and a fly ball to Melky that’s just foul but caught.
Out number one.
Everyone is as loud as they possibly could be as Cain takes on batter number two, it’s Snyder again and he already had a nicely hit ball that Cabrera caught at the wall so I’m pretty nervous. Snyder ends up getting out in front and under a ball and hits a fly ball to Melky again.
Out number two.
At this point I’ve never been more excited. Not the 2010 world series win even, maybe it was the fact I was at the ballpark, one of 42,000 in the entire world, and history of the Giants to ever witness this game. That’s when Castro came to the plate as a pinch hitter. Great, this Stanford alum is going to ruin everything, he probably has family at the game, he has every reason in the world to want to stop this perfect game. Cain was at 124 pitches with a 1-2 count he steps off the mound and takes a look around the park, soaking in the moment and the crowd somehow gets even louder as Cain gets back to the mound and then throws pitch 125. It’s a well hit ball to Arias, the kind that you can just beat out for a hit, but Arias fields it perfectly as everyone holds their breath and then fires a bullet to Belt at first, beating Castro to the bag by at least two steps.
Out number three. Out number twenty-seven.
That was it, I just witnessed the greatest pitching performance in Giants history, I must have been yelling for a good 10 minutes non-stop. I couldn’t believe it. I high fived my dad a couple of times as we couldn’t hold in the emotions, it was crazy every single fan was jumping up and down as if we had just hit a walk-off homerun in Game 7 of the world series. 128 years and no Giant has ever done it and I was there to witness it. It was no doubt the greatest game of my life, and something that I’ll be able to talk about for years. As the crowd started to calm Amy G began to interview Cain, after just being mobbed by the whole team he went on to talk about the best game of his life. As they interviewed him I was starting to think, it had to be Matt Cain. It had to be him to accomplish this feat. I don’t think there is a guy who deserves it more than him. The only way to describe Matt Cain is that he is Matt Cain. That’s it there’s no one like him. A great personality and a better pitcher, and there will only ever be one Matt Cain.
That was a great game. Tied for the most Ks in a perfecto, second youngest in NL history, 1st in Giants history and the most pitches to do it. Statistically, best perfecto ever! Great job, Matt. I’m very proud of you. Go Giants!
Congratulations Matt, and thank you for the great night at the Park which I will never forget.
Matt, you have been a great pitcher and leader on this team. I love how you pitch with a quiet but dominating way. I was at your perfect game in the center field bleachers and all 42,000+ were going crazy. We all love you work horse and I am so happy that you will be a giant for many years to come.
Love you Matt,
-Katie (San Jose)
GO GIANTS!!!!!!!
Congrats Big Daddy Cain! Definitely Makes Us all proud to be Giants fans. Your a great baller. Just freshen up on your Ping Pong or welts skills. 😉
Congrats to you Matt ! You are one of the best and now you are in the history books ! P.S. Feel free to do it again someday if your up for it 🙂
Congratulations Matt!! Honestly can’t think of another pitcher in the MLB that deserves this amazing accomplishment. This team is so exciting to watch play ball. Let the tourture continue all the way to the World Series. We will be coming out to the park Friday to see you in action. Kudos to Buster for calling an amazing game as well. We love our G-men!
I’m A Lifelong Giants And I Never Thought I Would See A Perferct Game!..Thank You For The Great Memory Of Your Perferct Game,Your The Best Giant Pitcher Ever!Keep Up The Great Work! GO GIANTS!!
First of congrats Matt! I just wanted to say that it was amazing what u did! When I was 17 I had a full ride baseball scholarship to a college in Nebraska, but unfortunately I got in a fight with a guy for slapping my mom and went to prison for 4 years.. I got out and played a little j.c ball but never really got the shot to show what I could do again, I’m 25 years old now and cook as a sue chef but watching every inning of your perfect game gave me back some passion! Tha k u and congrats again.. Giants for ever!!
Hey Matt, just wanted to say that you’ve been my favorite Giants pitcher since you first joined the rotation buddy. We all love the freak and the rest, of course, but I’m thrilled to finally see you getting the recognition you deserve! I was there for all 3 of your dazzling 2010 post season performances, and I’m thrilled that I was there to witness history once again on June 13th, 2012! I recorded the entire 9th inning – here’s how history looked from MY seat. ENJOY!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU3EYghBAoU
Great job Matt Cain, you desrved and earned it!! I just want to say thank you for the best birthday present that a boy can ask for! My birthday, my favorite team, my favorite pitcher, and you throws a perfect game! Wow! Thanks so much Matt memories from that game will be forever framed on my wall!
Congrats Cain! You TOTALLY deserved it, I’ll always remember rooting you on 🙂 it was such a great memory for Giants fans
Congrats Matt! I wish you, your wife, and your daughter the greatest and good luck on continuing the already hall-of-fame season. Long time, hardcore Giants fans, like myself, couldn’t ask for a better pitcher in all of the Major Leagues. Congratulations again!
there seemed to be something special going on in the yard from the first pitch ! the highlights of arias’ awkward catch to belt still freaks me out ! i’m glad it was you…
In the beginning of the 6th I said to my hubby ” He’s working on a no-no…” we didn’t say anything else about it till the 8th and then it was mostly squeals and groans…Thanks, Matt, and congratulations!
Congrats Matty…what a fun evening, but those last three outs were torture!
My two favorite people, Matty and Buster, coming through, again….
Congrats our little working horse! You deserved this milestone. Thank you for being a Giant.
Watched you make your first start. I was there during the rough years when you pitched a gem but lost from lack of run support.
I’ll always been a big fan of you, Matt, you embody the spirit of workmanship, determination, grace, and an enduring love of the the game.
Matt you were my Moms favorite player. She passed away Sept. 2010. I believe my Mom was the Angel in the outfield that knocked that ball back in that one game. Because when I seen it bounce back I thought of her and cried. That day of your perfect game I was sad I had been thinking of my Mom all day. Walked in the house to catch the 7th inning…. Ooooooooh Man did my spirits lift. When that final out came…… I was so happy for you. Later I cried because I thought about how I was sad and how I felt better My Moms favorite Pitcher Pitched aPerfect Game. ❤
Matt, you did amazing. Watching that game was crazy and something I will never forget. You and the guys did an awesome job that night. You guys are a pretty special team and I’m glad you’ll be a Giant for years to come. I’m so happy for you, it couldn’t have happened to a better guy. Anyways, great job!
Not much that hasn’t already been said. Congratulations and see you in the hall of fame in a few years. Hopefully after a Cy Young or two and a few more World Series wins.
Matt you were my Moms favorite player. She passed away Sept. 2010. I believe my Mom was the Angel in the outfield that knocked that ball back in that one game. Because when I seen it bounce back I thought of her and cried. That day of your perfect game I was sad I had been thinking of my Mom all day. Walked in the house to catch the 7th inning…. Ooooooooh Man did my
I remember watching the game, when Cain was just bombing away, throwing strikes and striking batters out. The weird thing is, I am only 13 years old. I am such a Giants fan that I want to meet the players personally up close, face to face. When Gregor Blanco made that diving catch, my eyes literally started bulging and I jumped for joy. Congratulations Matt Cain! You will always be my favorite pitcher.
THANK YOU. FROM A FAN
Sitting next to my brother watching a perfect game from such a great pitcher/person is probably the best baseball memory I have been a part of.
We are all so proud of you! We knew you had it in you! Thank you for putting our Giants, once again, on top! I am so thankful I was able to see our World Series WIN! Be at the parade homecoming with my husband and kids! And to be able to watch your perfect game!! And what a team effort! You were all amazing!! And together we are GIANT!!! 😉
How awesome to come out of my surprise birthday night out at the opera to find that Matt Cain pitched a PERFECT GAME! Thanks for making my day that much more special 😀 Congrats!!!
Will never forget watching you that day with my 11-year-old little league pitcher, baseball enthusiast, Giants fan, MLB aspiring son. What a wonderful experience for us to share together as a family watching you have your BIG game, watching your teammates go all out for you to help make it happen, and watching you do it with all of your humility and grace. Thank you for being a fabulous example to our young ones!!!
Congrats!!! Let’s go play some golf to celebrate! GO GIANTS!!
Congratulations on a well deserved perfect game. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer or a more humble guy. Being a Giants fan in NJ is hard not being able to see them more often, but I have Comcast MLB so I can get most of the games. It was a dream come true when they won in 2010 and to see Matt pitch that perfect game brought it all back. Keep up the good work. #18 in your programs…#1 in your hearts!
I knew this was in you for a long time and I feel another coming. Congrats Matt!
Congrats Matt! My friend who isn’t a Giants fan (poor fool) was talking smack when we signed that 5-year contract with you at the beginning of the season and I told him to just watch. Man did you show the world! Way to go man! So proud of you and to have you on the Giants! Keep rockin it! We’re behind you!!!
Congratulations cain on your perfect game i wish and your wife the best, i hope you remain a giant for years to come ….GO GIANTS
PERFECT CAIN!
A BIG Congrats to ya, Matt!
Love the SFGiants!!
Congrats, Matt. The Giants have kept me going through a lot of hard times, and you’re the poster boy for the courage and heart of this team. Thanks for all you’ve done for the team and for the city. You deserve this piece of history!
Congrats Matty! Went to the game for my birthday, and couldn’t have asked for a better present. Never thought I would live long enough to witness a game like that, and I am very happy it came from you. Thanks for all your hard work over the years, you deserve this.
Did you Know that Matt Cain is the second youngest pitcher in the national league to pitch a perfect game. Good game, you deserved it after all of your complete games. Congrats