No-hitters come in a variety of ways. But for the New York Mets before June 1, 2012, it had not been presented to them in any fashion. Then came the 8,020th game for the franchise—started on the Citi Field mound by Johan Santana. It may not have been the best pitching performance in Mets history, but it was certainly unlike any that had preceded it.

Tom Seaver, Nolan Ryan, Dwight Gooden, and David Cone. Each is a recognized pitcher. Each showcased their talents in Queens. Each threw a no-hitter (or, in Ryan’s case, seven). Each did it for a team other than the Mets.

Despite the wealth of talented arms to pass through Flushing, there was a 50-year albatross. Deliverance came in the form of a two-time Cy Young winner, who eradicated the team’s prolonged wait while also adding a chapter to his own comeback story. Santana battled arm trouble for nearly his whole tenure in New York but had a league-best ERA in his first season (2008) and a 127 ERA+ over 109 five injury-plagued years. He missed all of 2011 recovering from shoulder surgery and served numerous IL stints, including one in August 2012 that all but ended his Mets career. But for nine magical innings against the St. Louis Cardinals, he rediscovered his once-reliable prowess and fortitude—even if some feel this came at a personal cost.

It remains the only solo no-hitter in franchise history. But a no-hitter isn’t accomplished without the help of others. And Santana’s was certainly no different.

Catchers are the unsung heroes for a feat of this nature, and Josh Thole called all 134 pitches behind the plate. Mike Baxter‘s heroics were singular but as tremendous as any play in the entire game. There was one out in the seventh and the Mets were up 5-0. Yadier Molina hit a drive to deep left-center field. Without regard for his safety or the wall, Baxter hauled it in and careened into the fence. He was down on the warning track before exiting with a shoulder contusion, but Santana ensured that Baxter’s stuntman effort was not made in vain.

It would be impossible to discuss the events of this night without mentioning the call made by third base umpire Adrian Johnson in the top of the sixth. Carlos Beltran, returning to Citi Field for the first time since departing the previous July, appeared to have pulled a sixth-inning hit down the line. Except it was called foul by Johnson. Replay was limited in concept and not the full-blown process it is now. Therefore it was not reviewable.

Countless historical moments are coupled with human error. Thus, the Cardinals remained hitless through six following the missed call, after seven following the remarkable play by Baxter, and then into the top of the ninth with the score 8-0.

Despite five walks and a pitch count exceeding the left-hander’s career-high (and much higher than manager Terry Collins would have preferred), Santana started the ninth by getting short fly balls from Matt Holliday and Allen Craig. Then came David Freese. After going to 3-0, Santana got a strike looking, a weak foul ball, and finally a swinging strike to end it.

Fittingly called by the longtime play-by-play voices who are long(er)time Mets fans and might have doubted this day would ever come.

Tuesday’s pre-game ceremony with Santana, Thole, Collins brought back a flood of memories for the principals involved and all those who witnessed it — just like each anniversary has.

The five-man no-no on April 29 against Philadelphia was certainly special in its own right. But you never forget your first, especially since it was 50 years in the making.