Joe Borden (1876)

Joseph (Joe) Emley Borden was born on Tuesday, May 9, 1854, in Jacobstown, New Jersey. Borden was 22 years old when he broke into the big leagues on July 24, 1876, with the Boston Red Caps. He only had a one year career with the Braves (then known as the Red Caps) with an 11-12 record. He pitched what is considered the first no-hitter pitched in a professional game.

He had previously played for the 1875 Philadelphia White Stockings in the National Association, which is not currently considered a Major League. Although he pitched in just 7 games in 1875, he did throw two shutouts, one of which was a no-hitter against the Chicago White Stockings on July 28, under the pseudonym of Joe Josephs. Since the National Association is not considered a Major League, this no-hitter is not recognized officially as the first no-hitter pitched. It is, however, considered the first no-hitter pitched in a professional game.

Borden, still known as Josephs, does have the distinction of being the winner in the first ever game of the new National League, with his Red Caps beating the Philadelphia Athletics 6-5 on April 22, 1876 at the Jefferson Street Grounds

He died on October 14, 1929 in Yeadon, Pennsylvania and is buried in Oakland Cemetery, Westchester, Pennsylvania.