It Was 20 Years Ago...

...when David Cone pitched his way into history.

At Yankee Stadium: after pre-game festivities honoring Hall of Famer Yogi Berra, capped by receiving the ceremonial first pitch from Don Larsen -- who threw a perfect game with Berra his catcher in the 1956 World Series -- David Cone became just the 16th pitcher to fire a perfect game.

He retired all 27 Montreal batters in order, as the Yankees defeat the Expos 6-0. The 13-year veteran was both overpowering and efficient: striking out 10, never going to a three-ball-count on any batter and completing his masterpiece in just 88 pitches. Cone's perfect game came just 14 months after David Wells authored one against Minnesota.

A perfect day, indeed. It marked Yogi's return to the Stadium, ending a 14 year exile after being fired by George Steinbrenner as Yankee manager. As beloved as any Yankee ever -- and a man who made the New York area his lifelong home once his playing career began -- Yogi's return, only months after the passing of Joe DiMaggio, re-affirmed his place as the Greatest Living Yankee.

It's often been said that Yogi led a charmed life. And on this date in 1999, some of that good luck rubbed off on David Cone.

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