Palmer, who many may forget was thought to be “done” before the 1969 season began because of injuries over the last few years, regained his form and cruised into this match-up with a 10-2 record.
Two hours and 22 minutes later, he got his name in the baseball history books with an 8-0 win which saw him strike out eight batters while walking six, lowering his ERA to a sparkling 1.77 on his way to a 16-4 record along with a final ERA of 2.34 over 26 appearances, 23 of which were starts.
Beginning in 1970, all Palmer would end up doing is post eight 20-win seasons over the next nine years, winning three Cy Young Awards and marching his way towards the Hall of Fame after finishing up with 268 wins and an ERA of 2.86, with 53 shutouts.
Think about this one second: Palmer was actually available to any team that wanted him in 1966, yet no one decided to sign him for the $25,000 signing fee.
Is it even possible to think of him with any team other than the Baltimore Orioles?
Incredible to even imagine so.