 On May 31, 1969, Sparma lost a no-hitter against the Seattle Pilots when Don Mincher doubled with one out in the ninth inning.During the 1969 season, Sparma roomed with Freehan, as Freehan kept a diary that was published in 1970.In the book, Freehan wrote that Sparma and Smith were usually not even on speaking terms as Sparma remained in Smith's doghouse.