On This Day in 1990, Dave Stieb threw the only no-hitter in Toronto Blue Jays franchise history against the Cleveland Guardians in Cleveland Stadium.

Stieb had spent 11 seasons with the Blue Jays and had come close to throwing a no-hitter on multiple occasions. His first attempt came in 1985 against the Chicago White Sox; another attempt came in 1988 against the Cleveland Guardians and the Baltimore Orioles. The most heartbreaking attempt came in 1989 against the New York Yankees, where he was one out away from accomplishing a perfect game on Canadian soil at the then-Skydome. An unfortunate home run by Roberto Kelly put a stop to that, and the chase continued.

Stieb finally accomplished the feat on September 2, 1990, against the Guardians, when he managed to allow four walks and strike out nine batters. The Blue Jays managed to win the game 3-0 on the back of “Crime Dog” Fred McGriff’s 2-run home run in the fourth inning, followed by a Ken Williams RBI-double in the top of the ninth inning.

Entering the ninth, Stieb had to face Chris James, Candy Maldonado, and Alex Cole. James flew out to Glenallen Hill for the first out, and Maldonado struck out as a pinch hitter for catcher Joel Skinner. All Stieb needed was to retire Alex Cole for the final out. What resulted next was a two-out walk. Doubt started to creep in as this had been deja vu for Dave Stieb. Next batter due was Jerry Browne, who was 0-for-4 on the night. On a 1-1 pitch, Browne drove the ball to right field to be caught by Junior Félix. Ballgame over. History made.

Stieb then went on record after the outing for stating it was “luck” that played a huge factor in the result. While that may be the case, a no-hitter is certainly impressive to achieve in the sport of baseball.

When Dylan Cease got close multiple times this season to a no-hitter only to lose it in the ninth inning, Stieb has gone on record to say he hopes he can be the only no-hitter in Blue Jays history until the day he dies. Only time will tell, Dave; only time will tell.

In exciting fashion, Cease starts tonight for the Blue jays in Cleveland. The right-hander had eight no-hit innings earlier this year in San Francisco and feels like he has the opportunity to make history every time he toes the rubber.