July 18, 1999
David Cone has on serveral occasions put in a bid for a perfect game. He began to wonder when his chance would come where he could strive to be one of the few who have been perfect.
His time finally came against the Montreal Expos on Sunday, July 18th, during interleague play. It was Yogi Berra Day at the stadium, and greats such as Yogi, Don Larsen, Phil Rizzuto, and Don Mattingly were on hand to participate in the celebrations. Yogi caught the first ball thrown by Don Larsen.
Cone started out sharper than he had been all year. He struck out 10 thoughout the game, and he also got some help defensively: Paul O'Neill's spectacular diving catch in the 1st, Joe Girardi's catch of a pop foul fight in front of the yankee dugout, Scott Brosius's grab of a ball in the hole and throw to first, Ricky Ledee's scary but good catch in the tricky left field, and Chuck Knoblauch's fantasic grab up the middle and throw to first to get the runner.
The last out was made by Scott Brosius on a popup that was caught in foul territory. David Cone was perfect. 27 batters up, 27 retired. Cone describes the last out: "When I saw [Scott] Brosius camped under it [the last popup] I kinda dropped to my knees and I just didn't believe it. I think I put my hands on my head and I couldn't believe it. And then I looked up and then there was Joe Girardi. I just grabbed him and gave him a bear hug and held on for dear life at that point."
May 17, 1998
David Wells is just like the the typical All American guy. He is big, loud, and loves to party. He listens to Metallica and drinks beer on his off days. On May 17th, 1998, he was something no typical american could ever be. He was perfect. It was Beanie Baby Day at the Stadium, and Minnesota Twins were in town. David blasted through the first 5 innings, while the Yanks managed to score 4 runs.
Since the tradition is not to talk to the pitcher who might be throwing a perfect game, David was feeling kinda lonely sitting on the bench in the bottom of the innings. David Cone broke tradition and made the suggestion that David should break out his knuckleball. He didn't need it at all. Great plays were made by Knoblauch and Tino, and Paul O'Neill caught the last out. David Wells did what only 13 other men in history had done - pitched a perfect game.
David was given a key to the City by Mayor Guliani, and also appeared on the David Letterman's show. It was an amazing time in the 1998 season, and it only added to the Yankee's magic.
October 8, 1956
Don Larsen went above and beyond perfect. He pitched a perfect game in the 1956 World Series, something that has never been done and matched. He still remains the only man to pitch a perfect game in the post season.
Yogi Berra knew it was something special when he pounced on Don.
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