Friedman was in her early 20s when she landed her first position as an editorial assistant at NPR. She became an editor and reporter, and a co-creator of the annual Books We Love reading guide.

DETROIT -- No strikeouts? No problem. No runs. The last time a Major League team tossed a shutout without striking out a batter, then-Tigers sinkerballer Rick Porcello did it all by himself with a 95-...