Happy Anniversary, Jimmy Qualls

Jimmy Qualls had 31 hits during a largely unforgettable major league career that touched parts of three seasons and three teams - the Cubs, Expos and White Sox. But one of those hits is the reason Qualls is long remembered by Mets fans and baseball historians.

It was the one-out, ninth inning single to left-center field July 9, 1969 off Tom Seaver that ended Tom Terrific's perfect game.

The Mets won 4-0.

No Met pitcher has ever thrown as much as a no-hitter. It wasn't until after Seaver was traded to the Reds when he finally threw a no-hitter.

Mets fans still curse the name Jimmy Qualls, even though Seaver beat the Cubs 4-0 that night and the Mets eventually overcame the Cubs to win the division, the Braves for the pennant and the Orioles for the World Series.

Here are links to a pair of stories on the Seaver-Qualls throw down at Shea Stadium 40 years ago tonight ...

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/content/sports/epaper/2008/04/27/a9b_qualls_0427.html

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/michael_bamberger/07/08/seaver.tribute/?eref=T1