I lost a no-hitter in the 9th inning. This is what that experience — and Roy Halladay — taught me

Peak

Editor’s Note: This story is part of Peak, The Athletic’s desk covering leadership, personal development and success through the lens of sports. Follow Peak here.

In July 2007, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dustin McGowan lost a no-hitter in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies. McGowan, now a high school baseball coach in Florida, shares what he took away from that experience and everything that led up to it.

In the bullpen before the game that day, I bet you I threw three strikes. I was spiking curveballs, missing with fastballs — I couldn’t throw anything for a strike.

I’ll never forget walking out of the bullpen. Our long reliever that year was Scott Downs, and as I walked out, I heard my pitching coach, Brad Arnsberg, say to the bullpen coach: “Make sure Downsy is ready to go.”