Former MLB Outfielder Larry Stahl, Known for Spoiling Perfect Game, Dies at 84

Stahl played 10 seasons in the majors and was best known for ending Milt Pappas' perfect game bid in 1972.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:02am

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Larry Stahl, a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played for four different teams over 10 seasons, has died at the age of 84. Stahl was best known for spoiling a perfect game bid by Chicago Cubs pitcher Milt Pappas in 1972 when he drew a controversial walk with two outs in the ninth inning.

Why it matters

Stahl's role in ending Pappas' perfect game attempt made him a notable figure in baseball history, as perfect games are extremely rare achievements. His death marks the passing of a player who, while not a superstar, left an indelible mark on the game through that famous incident.

The details

On September 2, 1972, Pappas of the Cubs had retired the first 26 batters he faced against the San Diego Padres. With two outs in the ninth inning, Stahl was sent in to pinch hit by Padres manager Don Zimmer. Stahl worked the count full and, on the payoff pitch, checked his swing and was controversially awarded a walk by the home plate umpire, ending Pappas' perfect game bid. Pappas retired the next batter to complete a no-hitter, but he blamed the umpire for the missed call that cost him a perfect game.

  • On September 2, 1972, Pappas had a perfect game bid through 26 batters.
  • With two outs in the ninth inning, Stahl was sent in to pinch hit.
  • Stahl drew a controversial walk, ending Pappas' perfect game attempt.

The players

Larry Stahl

A former Major League Baseball outfielder who played 10 seasons with four different teams, best known for spoiling Milt Pappas' perfect game bid in 1972.

Milt Pappas

A Chicago Cubs pitcher who had a perfect game bid through 26 batters on September 2, 1972, before Stahl's controversial walk ended his bid.

Don Zimmer

The manager of the San Diego Padres in 1972 who sent Stahl in to pinch hit against Pappas with two outs in the ninth inning.

Bruce Froemming

The home plate umpire who made the controversial call to award Stahl a walk, ending Pappas' perfect game bid.

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What they’re saying

“They were strikes or 'that close' to being strikes that he should've raised his right hand. I had the opportunity for a perfect game, and, unfortunately, Bruce Froemming did not help me at all.”

— Milt Pappas

The takeaway

Stahl's role in ending Pappas' perfect game bid cemented his place in baseball history, as perfect games are incredibly rare achievements. While not a superstar player, Stahl's famous at-bat against Pappas is a testament to how a single moment can make an indelible mark on the game.