A Historic Day in the Bronx
On July 18, 1999, the New York Yankees witnessed one of the most incredible pitching performances in franchise history. David Cone threw a perfect game against the Montreal Expos at Yankee Stadium. It was only the 16th perfect game in Major League Baseball history and the third in Yankees history, following Don Larsen’s in the 1956 World Series and David Wells’ in 1998.
Yogi Berra Day and a Link to History
The game took place on Yogi Berra Day, with a pregame ceremony honoring the Hall of Fame catcher. Former Yankee pitcher Don Larsen, who threw a perfect game in the 1956 World Series, delivered the ceremonial first pitch to Berra. The symbolic connection became even more remarkable as Cone went on to achieve perfection that very afternoon.
Offensive Support
The Yankees built an early lead against Montreal starter Javier Vázquez. Ricky Ledée hit a two-run home run in the second inning, followed by run-scoring hits from Joe Girardi and Derek Jeter. By the end of the second, New York led 5–0. Additional runs later in the game, including contributions from Paul O’Neill and Bernie Williams, secured a 6–0 final score.
Defensive Highlight
A key defensive play preserved the perfect game in the eighth inning. Montreal’s José Vidro hit a ground ball toward center field, but Yankees second baseman Chuck Knoblauch made a difficult stop to his right and threw to first base for the out. The play became one of the defining moments of Cone’s performance.
Cone’s Performance
Cone struck out 10 batters and retired all 27 hitters he faced. The final out came when Orlando Cabrera popped out to third baseman Scott Brosius, completing the perfect game before a crowd of more than 41,000 fans at Yankee Stadium.
Legacy
Cone’s perfect game on July 18, 1999, added another chapter to the long history of memorable achievements at Yankee Stadium. That it occurred on Yogi Berra Day, with Don Larsen present, gave the event special significance. It remains one of the defining pitching performances in New York Yankees history.
