David Wells’ Sept. 21, 2000 No-Hitter Sends Yankees, Ends Jays

On September 21, 2000, former New York Yankees pitcher David Wells delivered one of the most memorable performances of his career. He did it at the expense of his old teammates.

In front of the Toronto crowd at SkyDome, Wells not only outdueled a formidable Yankees lineup, but he also achieved the personal milestone of winning his 20th game in a season. He’d never done that before — and, honestly, he never would again.

This game wasn’t just a win for Wells; it felt like a statement. He pitched with personal pride, some history on his mind, and a little extra edge facing the club that had traded him away.

David Wells’ Masterclass Against the Yankees

Just a week before this SkyDome showdown, Wells had already frustrated the Yankees in the Bronx. His only blemish in that game was a solo home run to Derek Jeter.

Toronto claimed that contest in extra innings. In Toronto, though, Wells looked even sharper and more in control.

Despite having his start delayed by a flare-up of gout, Wells came out with impeccable control and poise. He went the distance, throwing a complete game and scattered just a handful of hits to keep the Yankees’ offense in check.

By the time the night was over, Wells had notched win No. 20. He reminded everyone why he was still among the league’s best big-game pitchers.

The Key Moments in the Game

Wells faced off against the Yankees’ skilled right-hander Orlando “El Duque” Hernández. “El Duque” pitched well but faltered in the middle innings:

• A run-scoring double put Toronto ahead early.
• In the sixth inning, slugger Carlos Delgado capped a rally with a two-run homer that extended the Blue Jays’ lead to 3-0.
• The Yankees managed a lone highlight — a seventh-inning solo home run by Bernie Williams to avoid the shutout.
• Wells fittingly ended the night by striking out Glenallen Hill, sealing the 3-1 win.

The Emotional Edge

The stat line told part of the story, but the subtext made Wells’ mastery over the Yankees even more compelling. According to Buster Olney of The New York Times, Wells approached these games against New York with the drive of a “spurned lover.”

The competitive fire was obvious. Every pitch had a little extra conviction, every out seemed to matter more.

The Yankees’ Late-Season Woes

This loss wasn’t just another regular-season setback for the Yankees. It came during a troubling slide.

The defeat dropped their record to 85-66. Their division lead shrank to just 4.5 games over the Boston Red Sox, with another challenger close behind.

Even worse for Yankee fans, the team had dropped seven of its last eight games. Only 11 contests remained, and suddenly the reigning World Series champions looked like they might watch their October plans slip away.

Wells’ Place in History

David Wells’ 20-win season in 2000 stands out as a career outlier for a player known for his longevity and postseason heroics. He never reached that win total again.

Still, the feat cemented his reputation as a pitcher who could rise to the occasion, especially when the opponent was personal. His complete-game performance showed his durability and competitive spirit — traits that defined his 21-year career.

Legacy of This Rivalry Clash

The Yankees eventually bounced back and clinched their postseason spot. They went on to win the 2000 World Series against the Mets, but this September slump still lingers as proof that even powerhouse teams can falter.

For Wells, that game was more than just another win. It was personal—a night where the stakes felt just as much about pride as about stats.

Looking back, David Wells’ September 21, 2000 gem against his old team really stands out. It wasn’t just his 20th win; it was a tense, psychological battle that made baseball’s rivalries feel alive.

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Here is the source article for this story: 2000 Yankees Diary, September 21: All’s Wells that ends Wells for Boomer and the Jays