Catching history

Ron Hassey and Dennis Martinez 33 years ago today in Los Angeles

In the major leagues’ modern era that begins in 1900, a total of only 22 pitchers author perfect games.

Of those 22 perfect games, only one catcher handles two of them.

That would be journeyman Ron Hassey, who 33 years ago today is behind the plate for Montreal as the Expos’ Dennis Martinez pitches the 11th perfect game in a 2-0 victory over Los Angeles before a Sunday afternoon crowd of 45,560 at Dodger Stadium.

Hassey’s work with Martinez comes 10 years after he calls the pitches in Len Barker’s 3-0 masterpiece in 1981 for the Indians over Toronto at Cleveland’s Municipal Stadium.

The 1991 season is Hassey’s last in the game and the only one in spends in Montreal as he plays with six teams during his 14 seasons in the majors.

“I was just back there catching him,” Hassey tells reporters 33 years ago today after Martinez finishes off the Dodgers in only 2 hours and 14 minutes.

“He wasn’t afraid to take chances, and I just went along with him. The way I figure it, either you get the no-hitter or you don’t. You don’t do anything different; you don’t pitch any different. You go after them and see what happens.”