Ken Johnson, of unique no-hitter, dies at 82
Pitched for 7 teams in 13 seasons; only one with 9 no-hit IP to take loss
Ken Johnson, the only pitcher to ever throw a nine-inning no-hitter and lose the game, has died at the age of 82.
Johnson, who played for seven teams across 13 Major League seasons, had been bedridden with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. He ultimately passed away because of a kidney infection, his son, Kenneth Jr., told the New York Times.
The loss in the no-hitter, which occurred on April 23, 1964, is Johnson's claim to fame.
The right-hander, pitching for the Houston Colt .45s, twirled a gem against the Cincinnati Reds as he struck out nine and walked a pair.
However, he also committed an error that led to an unearned run -- and ultimately the 1-0 loss -- in the top of the ninth.
"I pitched the best game of my life and still lost," Johnson said afterward. "A hell of a way to get into the record books."
Johnson is survived by his wife, Lynn, sons Kenneth Jr. and Russell, daughter Janet, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.