Today in Baseball History: May 17th

2001 On May 17, 2001, former major leaguer Ike Brown dies from cancer at the age of 60. A popular member of the Detroit Tigers for five seasons, Brown was one of the last Negro leagues players still active in the majors during the 1970s. The versatile Brown played every position but catcher and center field during his major league career.

1998 On May 17, 1998, David Wells pitches the first perfect game at Yankee Stadium since Don Larsen's masterpiece during the 1956 World Series. Wells strikes out 11 in shackling the Minnesota Twins, 4-0. In an amazing coincidence, Wells had attended the same high school as Larsen.

1985 On May 17, 1985, the Texas Rangers name Bobby Valentine their manager, replacing the fired Doug Rader. Under Rader, the Rangers had posted a record of 9-23, the worst in the major leagues. With Valentine at the helm, the Rangers will show some improvement, but will still finish last in the American League West.

1979 On May 17, 1979, the Philadelphia Phillies outslug the Chicago Cubs, 23-22, overcoming a 21-9 deficit at Wrigley Field. Mike Schmidt provides the winning margin with his second home run-a 10th inning shot against Bruce Sutter. Dave Kingman hits three home runs for the Cubs.

1973 On May 17, 1973, promising California Angels outfielder Bobby Valentine breaks his leg while trying to climb the wall in an effort to catch a long drive by Dick Green of the Oakland Athletics. The injury will sideline Valentine for the rest of the season and curtail his major league career.

1971 On May 17, 1971, Tom McCraw of the Washington Senators hits one of the shortest home runs in history. McCraw's 140-foot pop fly falls in between three Cleveland Indians, shortstop Jack Heidemann, and outfielders Vada Pinson and John Lowenstein. When the three players collide, McCraw circles the bases for an inside-the-park home run.

1970 On May 17, 1970, Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves reaches the 3,000-hit club with an infield single against the Cincinnati Reds. Aaron, who later hits his 570th career home run, becomes the first major leaguer to reach 500 home runs and 3,000 hits.

1939 On May 17, 1939, a baseball game is aired on television for the first time. W2XBS, an experimental station in New York City, broadcasts a college game between Princeton and Columbia. Bill Stern announces Princeton's 2-1 victory in 10 innings.

1912 On May 17, 1912, historic Fenway Park in Boston is officially dedicated, as the Red Sox play host to the Chicago White Sox. Playing in front of an overflow crowd, the Red Sox lose the game, 5-2.