New York Yankees starter Domingo German was pitching with a heavy heart when he threw a perfect game on Wednesday night against the Oakland Athletics. German's uncle had passed away just two days before the Yankees hurler fired the 24th perfect game in MLB history. After the incredible performance, German dedicated his effort to his uncle in the postgame interview, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.

German told Yankees reporter Meredith Marakovits that he cried in the clubhouse a lot on Tuesday after learning of his uncle's death. He told Marakovits that this game “was for him.”

Not only was German in a different kind of zone as a pitcher, but he was motivated to put a strong performance out there in honor of a loved one.

That combination resulted in a perfect game, the fourth in Yankees franchise history. German was shelled for seven and eight earned runs in each of his last two starts against the Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners.

Article Continues Below
More New York Yankees News
Apr 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) runs the bases after hitting a two run home run off Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Paul Sewald (34) during the eighth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Jazz Chisholm Jr. relishes seeing others feel his ‘pain’ vs. Max FriedMike Gianakos ·
New York Yankees starting pitcher Max Fried (54) throws a runner out at first base in the fifth inning against the New York Mets.
Yankees’ Max Fried matches Phil Niekro with historic start vs. GuardiansJosh Davis ·
New York Yankees designated hitter Aaron Judge (99) bats in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Aaron Judge makes final decision on 2025 Home Run DerbySteve Silverman ·
May 27, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) before the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images. Boone discussed Stanton and Marcus Stroman returns.
Aaron Boone teases Giancarlo Stanton, Marcus Stroman rehab assignmentsMike Gianakos ·
St. John’s Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino poses with New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) at Yankee Stadium.
Rick Pitino makes Aaron Judge quip at Yankee StadiumScotty White ·
New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27) looks on from the dugout against the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth inning during spring training.
Yankees’ Aaron Boone gives vague Giancarlo Stanton injury updateJosh Davis ·

But the Yankees hurler had it all working on Wednesday against the Athletics, as his curveball, often his best strikeout pitch, was essentially unhittable to the tune of 12 swings and misses.

Not only was it historic, but German's perfect game came at the perfect time for the Yankees, who were in danger of losing the series to the 21-61 Athletics.

But German wasn't having any of it. The Yankees, who have struggled without captain and 2022 American League MVP Aaron Judge, will have to hope that the perfect game serves as a spark.