Yankees Pitcher Matches 113-Year-Old MLB Record

A Yankees rookie is rewriting the record books with a pitching performance not seen since Babe Ruth was still a year away from his major league debut.

Cam Schlittler reached a milestone on May 9, 2026, that no pitcher has achieved in 113 years. Through his first nine starts of the season, he recorded at least 50 strikeouts with fewer than 10 walks, no more than one home run allowed, and an ERA under 1.50.

The last player to hit all those marks? Hall of Famer Walter Johnson in 1913.

Schlittler's numbers tell the story of a breakout season: 59 strikeouts, just nine walks, one home run surrendered, and a sparkling 1.35 ERA. In his latest outing against the Milwaukee Brewers, he allowed only two hits over six scoreless innings while striking out six batters.

The performance was even more impressive considering what happened in the first inning. A 108.5 mph line drive drilled Schlittler, but he stayed in the game and dominated from there.

"He's a stud," Yankees manager Aaron Boone told MLB.com. "He's just a great competitor, and obviously a great pitcher."

Why This Inspires

Schlittler's achievement shows how excellence transcends eras. Walter Johnson pitched when players used the same ball for entire games and threw from a closer mound, yet Schlittler's control and dominance in today's power-hitting era earns him a spot alongside one of baseball's all-time greats.

The 26-year-old is proving that patient, precise pitching still wins in an age of launch angles and exit velocity. His nine walks through nine starts demonstrate a level of control that separates good pitchers from historic ones.

Young players watching Schlittler are learning that records aren't just meant to stand—they're meant to inspire the next generation to reach higher.