John Candelaria throws last traditional no-hitter in Pirates history, beats Dodgers on Clark Candy Night John Candelaria holds the distinction of throwing the last traditional no-hitter in Pittsburgh Pirates history, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers with nine innings of dominant pitching on August 9, 1976. The game, played at Three Rivers Stadium, was also Clark Candy Night, a tribute to Candelaria’s nickname. Fans received candy bars as part of the celebration, and the no-hitter marked a career-defining moment for the 22-year-old pitcher. Candelaria, in his second Major League season, approached the vice president of D.L. Clark Company, the sponsor of Clark Candy Night, with a business proposal after the game. “I remember saying, ‘I pitched a no-hitter on Clark Bar Candy Night. Can we do something?’” he recalled. The executive responded with humor, telling him, “Kid, that’s a great idea. Now get out of here.” This anecdote highlights Candelaria’s early awareness of his marketability. The game itself was a tightly contested affair. The Pirates won 2-0 on a fifth-inning double by Bill Robinson, while Dodgers starter Doug Rau struggled to navigate the Pittsburgh lineup. Candelaria walked Steve Yeager in the third inning, struck out seven batters, and faced 30 total hitters, using 100 pitches to complete the no-hitter. The Pirates had not recorded a no-hitter since 1907, making this achievement significant. Candelaria emphasized the intensity of the moment, stating, “The only thing I was thinking about was not letting them score because the game was that close. We could lose if I gave up a couple of runs.” He also criticized modern pitchers who claim ignorance of a no-hitter, asserting, “Any pitcher who tells you he doesn’t realize he has a no-hitter going is lying. You’re a pitcher.#los_angeles_dodgers #pirates #john_candelaria #three_rivers_stadium #clark_candy_night
