Today in Baseball History: May 18th

2004 On May 18, 2004, Randy Johnson of the Diamondbacks hurls a perfect game - the first no-hitter in Arizona franchise history. Johnson defeats the Atlanta Braves, 2-0. It"s the second no-hitter for Johnson, who turned the trick against the Tigers on June 2, 1990, while he was with the Mariners.

1969 On May 18, 1969, Rod Carew of the Minnesota Twins steals second, third, and home during the third inning of an 8-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers. Carew pulls off the trifecta against the battery of Mickey Lolich and Bill Freehan. Carew becomes the first player in 28 years to steal three bases in sequence in the same inning. Cesar Tovar also steals two bases.

1968 On May 18, 1968, Washington Senators slugger Frank Howard ties an American League record by homering in his sixth consecutive game. With a pair of home runs against Detroit Tigers ace Mickey Lolich, Howard now has 10 home runs in his last six games, also a record.

1956 On May 18, 1956, Mickey Mantle hits home runs from both sides of the plate for the third time in his career, setting a major league record. Mantle's day includes four hits in four at-bats, helping the New York Yankees to an 8-7 win over the Chicago White Sox.

1946 On May 18, 1946, Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson is born in Wyncote, Pennsylvania. Jackson will make his debut in 1967 with the Kansas City A's. He will finish his career with 563 home runs, sixth on the all-time list.

1936 On May 18, 1936, Brooks Robinson is born in Little Rock, Arkansas. The perennial Gold Glove third baseman will make his debut in 1955. In 1964, Robinson will win the MVP Award. Six years later, his defensive brilliance will lead the Baltimore Orioles to a World Series victory.

1912 On May 18, 1912, the Detroit Tigers field a team of replacement players against the Philadelphia Athletics. With 19 players on strike in protest of the recent suspension of Ty Cobb, the Tigers lose to the A's, 24-2. The Tigers' lineup includes a number of local semipro players.