The Untold Story: Matt Cain's Perfect Game

Matt Cain threw the first and only perfect game in Giants franchise history on June 13, 2012. It was only the 22nd perfect game in Major League history.
Join Matt Cain, Buster Posey, Bruce Bochy, Brandon Crawford, Gregor Blanco and Dave Righetti as they re-watch clips of the momentous occasion and share never-before-heard insights and reflections.
Subscribe to our KZbin channel for the best, exclusive content: / giants and check out sfgiants.com for our full archive of videos.
/ giants
/ sfgiants
/ sfgiants
/ sfgiants
vm.tiktok.com/x5r2Yj/

[@SFGiants]

Which "Untold Story" should we tell next?

[@frankyponce496]

2014 Game 7 WS

[@goldenjets7080]

The 2010 postseason

[@lznogg]

Rally Zito

[@kevinsandstrom5833]

Jonathan Sanchez' No no

[@cavewomanbrain]

timmy's no hitters

[@natetall]

I remember when my dad came into my room to wake me up that night I had no idea what was going on. It was a school night, a Wednesday and I was 9 years old. He woke me up during the break between the 8th and 9th inning and told me I needed to get up, that something really special was happening. Little did I know Matt Cain was about to throw a perfect game. I still get chills when I watch that last out, every single time.

[@trailblazer77]

Legend

[@christophergrathwohl9862]

I was at that game

[@ascheuring1]

Damn that’s a dope pops moment

[@BenWiele]

Love this.

[@LAAPmusic]

That’s the plot from a boy meets world episode, this never happened

[@ThePhilipJFry__]

Saw this game live, on 'accident.' I was working for SkyWest airlines and planned to fly standby that day, to see the game the next day, just for fun. First free flight I took after getting a job with SkyWest. The later flight from RDM-SFO was full so we woke up and flew down early. Wandered all over town, walked about 7 miles. Ended up at AT&T to buy some merch and ended up buying two seats. Upper deck, second row, looking straight down the third base line. I was keeping score... It was in the fifth inning - I think - and the Giants hit into a double play. Irked, I consulted my scorecard and mumbled something like "Shit. Even the astros haven't hit into a DP yet." Only to realize nobody had been on base. Pretty nuts after that. Didn't leave my seat the whole game. I saw a perfect game. Live. On accident. For 12 bucks.

[@NathanPaterson_2]

Best twelve bucks ever spent

[@jaironhoward]

Wow… you made an incredible $12 investment and it hugely paid off!!!

[@connorallen30]

Dude. That’s incredible.

[@jumpman1233]

This made me emotional. I know you will cherish that memory forever.

[@iamjp1]

props for not spending 100 on beer😂

[@ManifoldMind]

I watched this game as a 12 year old. Now I'm 23. I can still feel every pitch of it. Thank you #18 for a memory I'll always cherish.

[@stevenschiro1838]

Same, I was 26 and still remember all of it. I still don't know how the ball stayed in in the 6th inning, how Blanco caught it, and how Arias made a flat footed strike from deep third. Also, them not going to commercial after the 8th inning was such a buildup, so freakin' suspenseful. For a trip down memory lane, search 50 Awesome Things About Matt Cain's Perfect Game (from mccovey chronicles)

[@cfrac22]

Yeah. I hope that that doesn’t go away for you. I’m 59 years old, and I still do remember the games from when I was young. It’s special. Don’t let anyone tell you it isn’t.

[@sirromjb24]

I fuckin love Matt Cain. One of the greatest giants, and people, ever

[@johnnyeconomopoulos7254]

Man this made me cry. I loved this team. The core pitchers. I’ve been watching the giants since I was 5 years old. I remember the 02 giants. But that doesn’t even come close to 10,12 and 14. Those guys had heart

[@BonerBot]

I always loved watching Lincecum. Big Time Timmy Jimmy!

[@KyleHerrera106]

the most heart I have ever seen on any sports team.

[@skateadio6]

We had gotten a new cat on the same day we watched this perfect game. Watched the whole game. After the game, we ended up naming our cat "Ace" after Matt Cain.

[@haydenfetter379]

Being a Giants fan felt like my sole identity as a kid even when I moved to Colorado when I was 8 years old. I was 14 when I went back to SF for a funeral and asked if we could squeeze in a Giants game. My Dad took me to this special game seated in the left field bleachers. It was one of the best days of my life and a memory I will cherish with my Dad for life. Thank you Matt Cain, I still get chills every time.

[@cfrac22]

I became a 😅 Giants fan at age 13 in 1978. I love those memories and moments of being a Giants fan. I will never forget that!! Ever!!!

[@michaelrobinson9023]

I was there working concessions. Almost called out to go to a concert--needless to say, glad I didn't. It's really moving to be around 40,000 people, all there and connected, and all rooting for the same thing: a perfect game. The stadium literally shook after the last out was made.

[@Addison8175]

I’m not crying. We’re all crying!

[@jakewilcken6602]

This happened on my first wedding anniversary, thanks Matt and Buster , we will never forget what you boys did that day.

[@ldo1308]

Don't forget Blanco

[@NevadaSmith2]

Nice! My wife and I got married that October and watch the entire World Series sweep from Cabo in Spanish. Went to the parade in SF the morning after we got home. It was amazingn

[@spencertherren6806]

Same. My wife and I met and Started dating the last week of October. We watched every game together and it was just awesome.

[@benjaminrosales6772]

Still can’t believe I saw this in person. Absolutely INSANE atmosphere

[@Ianwarner]

Me too Free brawts baby lol

[@person6564]

lucky

[@WinTheNow]

Incredible! You legit have a better chance of winning the lottery.

[@alexurasaki-oylerwu7124]

We want sausage…

[@snowman9642]

In 2012, Matt Cain Started the the Season opener, the All-Star Game and Started every closing game of the playoffs including the World Series. I’m not sure a pitcher has ever had a better year than Matt Cain did in 2012.

[@jm3262]

Thank you Kelsey Rothhouse, for putting together this amazing piece! What an electric night.

[@davidclark5267]

Kelsey rocks. Well done by her and her team

[@tomdosdos7179]

Why do I still get nervous even if I already know the outcome? Gregor Blanco is forever my hero because of that catch.

[@RobertHolmesTech]

Told the woman who would become my wife, that I loved her for the first time right after the final out. An unforgettable game game and beautiful memory. Still happily married 10 years on. Lets go Giants!

[@ryanchew9200]

I was a junior in high school, I was supposed to be be studying for finals but I told myself I would just watch the first few innings of the game and than get to studying. 2 innings turned to the whole game and I'm glad I didn't study. 10 years later and those grades didn't matter and I got to witness a piece of history. Beautiful. Now go and sign Aaron Judge!

[@Jommly]

I definitely cried. I am that 10 year old. Thank you so much.

[@benkaufman6905]

Matt Cain was going to the same coffee shop I went to for a little while. He would be there by himself and not many knew who he was and it would just completely blow my mind that a guy a few feet away from me had thrown a perfect game.

[@loganjain2802]

I grew up w the 10/12/14 Giants, and all three WS titles were incredibly special. Despite that, there was something about watching that game that makes it just as, if not more, special. The tension was unreal the whole time, and Cain was absolutely masterful that night. Glad that I got to witness it, surely a memory I'll never forget.

[@jayroberts2017]

Astros fan here - I remember this game clearly. Astros were in the depths of being a really bad team with no hope in sight. Cain was so dominant, he would have done this against any of the best teams that night. Its games like this (and seasons like these we had to endure) that make this current era of the team so satisfying.

[@AnonymousAnonymous-he7re]

I've rewatched and rewatched that game for years. I was given Bochy's lineup card from the game and have it framed. Watching this tonight...The thing I never noticed before is how much Cain hated Lou Seal! Ignored him a few times...made me laugh!

[@Dirgnimai7]

I was noticing the same thing about Lou!

[@Singletakesessions]

I remember this just being another night of baseball. Started with a guy riding a water hover board. A few innings in I remember telling my wife that Cain was in top form. By the 7th I just stayed quiet not wanting to say it aloud. I still get chills hearing the call of Blanco’s catch, and the final out by Arias. Thanks Cain, that was a night I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.

[@KyleHerrera106]

during this run Kuiper was the heart of this team, every single one of his calls were incredible, but this night stood out

[@rbgilbert11]

I played baseball at Houston High School when Matt Cain was a senior, I was a freshman and we had the privilege to try (and fail) to hit his 95 mph fastball. It was...terrifying...seeing that pitch coming in there that fast esp as a freshman but it was cool to get to experience it as well. He was drafted later that year awesome dude.

[@JRod9482]

I’m a Dodgers fan and this is so well put together. Baseball is beautiful💙

[@MrCubFan415]

Cubs fan here; seconded!

[@kevinmello8733]

i was 10 years old, my mom worked for kaiser hospital in SF at the time and giants players would frequently come to that hospital for medical needs. on a random day in 2012 kaiser gave free tickets to all the workers to go see a game one night. this was that game, and i remember that feeling being there, it was magical and unlike anything i’ve ever witnessed. It was up in the nosebleeds on the left side of the stadium. I’m 20 now and till this day i keep my buster autographed ball and matt cain framed portrait next to each other in my room to always remind me of that amazing day.

[@taco2k3]

This was a magical era for the Giants and their fans.

[@WinTheNow]

Brought a tear to my eye and I'm a Padres fan. This is the most difficult accomplishment in sports.

[@patrickk5605]

Love all the insight from the other players! That really made this moment even more special. Matt was a true Giant as he was drafted by them and spent his whole career with one team! Truly a special Giant! Thanks, Matt for all the wonderful memories!

[@KyleHerrera106]

almost everyone on that team was, it was potentially the most special team in the history of any sport, the story lines are almost impossible to believe, it should only exist in fiction. Incomprehensible, the gravitas of this team.

[@garibasl]

Extraordinary moment with an exceptional team.

[@12ewall]

Such an incredible story told so beautifully in this video. Thank you Giants!

[@joshuasandiego5094]

I didn't expect to tear up watching this. I miss Cain, Buster and Boch so much

[@ImekaSF]

I'll never get tired of revisiting this moment! What an incredible day.

[@michaelbalty2750]

Legendary. I was there. I remember being impressed with all the home runs the Giants were hitting! I was just excited to have a 10 run lead! Then, the rest unfolds. I said to myself, Cainer is feeling it. But I had no idea, he was going to do what he was going to do. When I watch it over again, I still get nervous. We all talk about Blanco’s catch, but Melky’s catch was also amazing. I thought that was a homer right off the bat. There was some magic at AT&T Park that night. The electricity in that park was unreal. I will never forget. Thank you, guys. Every one of you.

[@CreamyItalian]

Didn't Cain rip golf balls into McCovey Cove before the game? He had to get permission from Bochy to do it. Cain had 2 once-in-a-lifetime events that day. I love this video, a lot of emotions happened watching it.

[@gjdrennan]

Pregame with pro golfer Dustin Johnson, if I recall.

[@bagofgroceries]

Maybe that’s why he did it, lol.

[@Sora_Digital]

This was really well done, gave me chills several times and I even teared up.. Thank you Matt Cain and the Giants!

[@notfromthisworld7558]

Amazing how the teammates and coaches were in num about not saying anything bc they cared so much as a fan I was nervous but excited all the same time why bc it was Cain man we loved him sooo much

[@UnicornOfDepression]

Bochy was so smart. That size 14 head of his stored more baseball knowledge than the Hall of Fame. I wish my Padres had kept him.

[@edbuantello6534]

WoW! Remember sitting on the edge of my sofa watching Matt’s Perfect Game! Brought tears to my eyes then and now! Thank You Matt Cain!

[@HectorMartinez-rq2gz]

i thank God to be a GIANTS fan , saludos to all GIANTS fan from around the world , saludos from Mexicali Baja California Mexico

[@jpadilla5484]

Watching Matt Cain’s career was an absolute pleasure. One of my favorite Giants.

[@josefgarciajr386]

I don’t know if this matters to anyone but this is the most memorable game for me because I grew up a SF Giants fan and it was the day my daughter was born!

[@drgafro9273]

Man i remember my dad woke me up while this was going on and told me you might watch history right here And we were pumped when it happened School night my mom was mad but it was truly history

[@spacemandennycrane]

this was such an amazing moment in our shared giants history to relive....thank you for making this!!

[@donmundt2562]

Having been a Giants fan since the early 80's, I've been able to see many special moments and 3 World Series victories. This perfect game is something most don't see in a lifetime. I can say I've seen it. It is a connection to this team I will never forget. I get goosebumps and tears of joy every time I see it. Matt Cain was so deserving of this moment and so much more. So many 1 run games he didn't win which he should have. One of the greatest pitchers in history. I could watch this over and over and it still feels like the day it happened. Thanks Matt Cains and that great Giants team who put up the defense to give everyone this historic moment.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

I was always so frustrated with the team’s run support for him. It seemed like, every time he pitched, they could do nothing offensively (not that they were a run scoring behemoth on their best days or anything). I can’t imagine how many more wins he’d have if they could’ve gotten a couple more runs for him in most games. Just seeing those 10 runs on the board, you knew it was a special night..

[@morganosborne8266]

I remember it live when I was 12, completely lost my mind when Gregor made that catch!!

[@marvicty]

I was there in the left field bleachers. It was birthday and my family got tickets for the game. I get tears of joy just reliving the moment

[@miguelgonzalez7540]

I remember moving to San Francisco from Houston and one night after work I realized my Astros were in town. We were in dead last at that time and I couldn’t find one employee to go with me from work. I said oh well and purchased a single ticket to support my Astros and Matt Cain was the pitcher on this night. I remember around the 7th inning thinking “oh my god, this dude is about to throw a perfect game against my boys” I DID NOT want it to happen. Then 9th inning came and it happened. I remember standing and applauding him with chills. Bitter sweet moment but I can forever say I was at a perfect game. Great job Matt!

[@marcnoble7829]

Still gives me chills to this day. What a legendary moment for the Horse!!

[@sanbrunojess]

Normally I would watch weeknight games at home but I had a ticket from my 6-ticket pack, and I am SOOOOO glad I went to this game. Still get chills every time I see the perfecto!

[@JDG707]

They didn’t mention Brandon Belt sitting in Cains spot in the dugout, and Cain giving him the glare that would send chills down anyone’s spine 😂😂😂

[@ChaoticKale66]

My dad and I watched this whole game together just like any other night. After the Blanco catch we lost our minds and we were glued to the TV until the end. Standing in front of the TV like it was Game 7 of the world series, pacing back and forth in the living room 😅 mom was asleep upstairs so we were trying to be quiet and when the final out was recorded, we grabbed each other and both were silently yelling in celebration. One my favorite memories with my dad. Love baseball. Go Giants!

[@rahsansmom]

Such an amazing group of guys! I’ll never get tired of this moment! Go Giants 🧡🖤

[@plainform]

Bravo filmmaking team. Such a well made mini doc. I got emotional remembering being there, and now knowing the moving parts. Phew...

[@JacobLeMusic]

I’ll never forget this game. I was sitting in section 311 in the upper deck. It was my first ever major league game at age 9, and my family and I wasn’t even supposed to be there. My pastor had tickets for his family but had to pull out at the last minute, so he gave us the tickets. I still give him hell for it to this day. We even showed up late in the top of the 2nd because we weren’t familiar with the parking at the ballpark. I remember holding my breath on that last play. Still can’t believe I got to be a small part of history.

[@AICKIXASS19]

Not trying to one up anyone here..But I was on deployment and in Kuwait on my way home watching the tv in the chow hall and went NUTS when I saw it! People thought I was crazy..Blanco’s catch is absolutely the best catch I’ve ever seen (with what’s at stake and distance covered..and on his belly on the warning track!?!?RIDICULOUS CATCH & Hustle Blanco!!)

[@garibasl]

Blanco! He showed up over and over in clutch situations-one of my favs.

[@AICKIXASS19]

@@garibasl Agreed ! Love that guy

[@tylersullivan2898]

I remember talking about this game with my grandma (who made me a giants fan) countless times. 2 days before she died I put the highlights to the game on in her hospital room because she loved Cain and blanco and buster. Eternally grateful for that memory

[@BrendanRankin]

👍 I ran into he and his family in SF a day or two before this game...just said, "we're all pulling for ya'!" I'll never forget the feeling I had during the game. Makes for a good story now!

[@nataliedumlao5741]

Oh gosh, chills, tears, smiles! Thanks for this video! I watched this game at at the bar in a Chili’s restaurant in Manteca, CA that night with my best friend. NOBODY left their seat till the game was over. The excitement and anticipation as the game went on grew to a level that, I’m sure that restaurant has never experienced again.

[@freddytrinidad3155]

my family and I were at this game. still gives me chills and excitement. never went to a WS game but this was once in a lifetime

[@aidanbrorsen9916]

Beautifully told story. Such a great cast of characters too. Nostalgia. Hope the Giants can get it back together soon!!

[@kirkkaubish9540]

i cant believe i was lucky enough to be in those stands. i have been a Giants ever since i can remember and this hits on so many levels. what was even cooler was the season ticket holder that we bought our seats from came to the game and gave us the actual ticket stubs to that game. Such a special night that everyone i ever talk to will hear me share that i was there!

[@mikoaru4811]

I heard this game on the radio at 12 years old. I will never forget that game. 2012 was special, and it’ll be in my heart forever

[@gsdash1469]

Such a great game. I remember I was at his first home start when i was a kid and sat near some of his friends. Crazy how great of a career he had with us.

[@Dsbobias]

Caught myself getting goosebumps over and over again.

[@nathanbaca5131]

I'll never forget that Gregor Blanco diving catch. One of the best plays in the outfield I've ever seen regardless of the situation but the fact that it saved the perfect game makes it imo the best defensive play ever.

[@KyleHerrera106]

every perfect game has a play like that, it appears to be requisite.

[@Yuseichaaan]

Being at this game was definitely one of the biggest highlights in my life. Listening to Matt relive it I truly believe I was probably more nervous than him that night.

[@moryan6447]

Blanco, Blanco, Blanco🤗

[@Adam130694]

My 18th birthday gift from #18. Love Matt!

[@user-vx2yx9mk9w]

Remember this game like it was yesterday. Such an amazing era of Giants baseball finally came to an end 10/01/2023. Cherish the memories of watching these Giants play the greatest game on earth. Matt Cain, you were amazing and so much fun to watch.

[@sydneynelson6525]

This was the game that I started loving baseball

[@kevinaguirre3300]

I was there that night, sat right below the Giants announcers. I was in town for the US Open and decided to take in a game. Thank Goodness! 😊

[@JohnWhiteECU]

as a former pitcher, the part resonates with is Buster Posey, the catcher is the field general, the pitcher and him get in sync, its a perfect dance, and a perfect game requires great defense which you see here in this video

[@fleagle66]

goddammit Riggs and Boch. I miss them so much.

[@mattd5716]

We’re now in 2024 and I still remember exactly what I was doing when this happened. It’s crazy how the love of sports can be so impactful on one’s life. Like they said, I’m going to tell my son about it one day when he’s old enough and share that bond of Giants love

[@alainorozco8032]

I miss having a reason to watch the Giants. The Horse, The Freak and MadBum, we were so lucky for such a short period of time. I have tears and lump in my throat watching this.

[@Skum56]

tell me why i was nervous watching the highlights in this video as i was 10yrs ago? lol

[@tiffanyjimenez1867]

You are a well respected athletic!! And i think we all get it because you are a perfectionist! Thank you Matt Cain!!

[@Allium_369]

This gave me chills watching this again. What an amazing piece of baseball history.

[@deanwellik6677]

Teared up watching this. Such an incredible night, and incredible performance, and an incredible team. So proud to have grown up a fan of this team, and to know how special this organization is to me and so many other fans means so much. Cain is so humble and wise beyond his years, im so glad to have watched him in his career

[@SummerlinRealtor]

2012 was my favorite Giants season! Between this amazing game and being able to be at the WS in SF for games 1 and 2 will always be in my heart and yes the atmosphere at ATT was electric that year! Congrats to Matt Cain for a perfect game! Blanco’s catch was insane too! Just watched it again last night on blu ray!!

[@aigoorng9320]

Loved every minute of this. Matt Cain was one of my favorite pitchers in the 2010s. Sure, there were "better" pitchers, but he was always reliable and professional that I just admired how he handled himself through thick and thin.

[@moryan6447]

It was GLORIOUS!!

[@kirkpaulsen7685]

My daughter and our friend just happened to be at the park that night. The most electric experience of my lifetime. Thanks, Matt!

[@pommie5093]

I will never forget that game. What an incredible game in an incredible season-all leading to our second WS win in 2 years. It was a roller coaster, that year. So many highs and lows, throughout the entire season. And, through it all-there was this amazing game.

[@jacobobujen1100]

Its about time this game got a proper video. An incredible achievement right in the midst of our dynasty and I feel like it rarely gets attention. I was incredibly lucky to be at this game and get a signature from the man himself later that week.

[@user-el9ul8xn6r]

I know you don’t want to be defined from a perfect game, but that game made an impact and changed so many lives. Literally. You gave many people hope, inspiration and aspirations. Just know many people you’ve never met are tipping their hats to you for many years to come. Thank you!

[@joelvinson]

I grew up in the WIll Clark era, thought we had it with Bonds, then asked ' Will I ever see the Giants win a World Series"? I can name every player from every team from 2010-2014. I am so grateful that even if you're not a Giants fan, you can look at these guys and say ' These are just some good dudes and some damn good ball players'. Together, it was magic to witness. Forever grateful. Forever Giant.

[@FamilyofFour94]

The most incredible game I’ve ever been too! Nothing will top that!

[@samihiggins]

This was beautiful, thank you.

[@cfrac22]

I remember watching this with my Mom. She died 😢two years later, and it was one of the great memories that I have with her. She was not a baseball ⚾️ fan, but she did love 💗 me, her son. I don’t know 🤷‍♂️ what else to say. I still love ❤️ my Mom and she’s been gone ten years.

[@bg710]

i got chills just as buster was saying he got chills. watched it 100 times too probably. love it

[@ShadowDestiny]

I was 11 when I watched this game. Now I'm 22, and it's one of my favorite memories from the Giants dynasty. Thank you for making this video

[@cfrac22]

I watched the end of the game 😢with my Mom at her house. It is one of the special memories that I have of spending time with her.

[@J_Drix]

My friend's brother and I were out for a few hours playing catch and decided we'd head to my place to watch the game; got back around the 6th inning I believe. My parents told us we were winning, but they didn't mention anything about the Astros not reaching base at all yet. We both noticed the big goose egg in Houston's hit column + the fact that Cain hadn't walked anyone, and gave each other a look like, "something is happening here..." Sure enough, the game that night proved to be special - the Cabrera catch @ the Warning Track, Blanco's spectacular dive, Arias' off balance game ending throw to first - and let's not forget Matt and Buster's synchronicity. That 2012 season and that team was something else. Stuff like this is great to see. Made me tear up a bit too. I'm sure every Giants fan who watched this could vividly remember exactly what they were doing that night.

[@danaewright1069]

ohhhh cainer, such an amazing game, gem of a performance that we don’t get to live often🖤🧡🖤🧡🖤🧡

[@sillencze3267]

I watched this live , as a kid from nor cal this goes down as a core memory

[@jamesshields5772]

I remember watching this game live on TV. Reds fan at heart, but always routed for Cain and Buster Posey! Two of the very best. What a moment in baseball history!

[@jordancomanda1970]

Best game ever I remember watching it glue to the tv

[@AdiosPelota]

Wonderful and so well put together!