On June 17, 1880, John Montgomery Ward of the Providence Grays threw a perfect game against the Buffalo Bisons at Messer Street Grounds.

One newspaper noted there were a couple of strong defensive plays that helped preserve Ward's perfect game, such as a difficult catch made by center fielder Paul Hines, and "some wonderful stops" by shortstop John Peters.

[1] In baseball leagues that feature nine-inning games like Major League Baseball (MLB), this means the pitchers involved must record an out against 27 consecutive batters, without allowing anyone to reach on a hit, walks, hit batsmen, uncaught third strikes, catcher's interference, fielder's obstruction, or fielding errors.

[1] It is widely considered by sportswriters to be the hardest single-game accomplishment in baseball, as it requires an incredible pitching performance, defensive support, and immense luck to pull off.

[7] The Grays failed to repeat as NL pennant champions in 1880, and early in the season, Ward replaced Mike McGeary as team manager.

[9] The decision was made to start the game earlier than normal, to allow spectators to watch a boat race in the Seekonk River in the afternoon.

[9] Ward's opposition was future Hall of Fame pitcher Pud Galvin, who gave up five runs in nine innings.

[9] Due to limited reporting from contemporary sources, little is known about Ward’s pitching performance or the defensive support he received.

[12] The New York Clipper highlighted the lack of errors in the game: "Ward pitched so effectively that not one safe hit was made off him while the entire field backed him up with perfect play.

The result of this united work was that not one of the Buffalos reached first base in the entire nine innings, thus equaling the extraordinary Worcester-Cleveland contest on June 12.

"[8] The Providence Journal echoed these remarks in its summary of the game, and proclaimed "the fielding and batting exhibition of the champions excellent in every respect".