Remembering Alex Avila’s greatest Detroit Tigers moments

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BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 03: Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers talks with Alex Avila #13 of the Detroit Tigers in the fourth inning against the Baltimore Orioles during Game Two of the American League Division Series at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on October 3, 2014, in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

4. Alex Avila catches Justin Verlander’s second no-hitter in Toronto against the Blue Jays

Throwing a no-hitter is tougher, no doubt, but catching one might be one of the more under-appreciated tasks by a catcher, especially those who call their own game. It encapsulates all the preparation, skilled framing, and leadership necessary to get through a game.

On May 7, 2011, Alex Avila would catch Verlander’s second no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays– a game in which the Detroit Tigers won 9-0. It could have been easy to venture from the game plan after the Tigers were able to rack up six runs off starter Ricky Romero, but Verlander and Avila stayed locked in and were able to pull it off.

Verlander strikes out Rajai Davis for the last out and meets Avila halfway between the mound and home plate. Alex Avila would also hit a home run in the fourth inning of the game.

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