On July 9, 1969, 24-year-old Mets ace Tom Seaver retired the first 25 Cubs he faced—one out away from a perfect game at Shea Stadium. Then, with the record crowd of more than 59,000 roaring, a soft single by Jimmy Qualls - himself a light-hitting 22-year-old rookie - broke it up, sealing what came to be known as “The Imperfect Game.” The Mets still won 4–0, and Seaver's brilliance helped fuel their miracle season.