Today in Baseball History: May 8th

1984 On May 8, 1984, Kirby Puckett collects four singles in his major league debut. Puckett's performance helps the Minnesota Twins to a 5-0 win over the California Angels.

1973 On May 8, 1973, Chicago Cubs coach Ernie Banks becomes the first African American to manage during a major league game. When Cubs manager Whitey Lockman is ejected in the third inning, Banks takes over the reigns for the rest of the game. With Banks at the helm, the Cubs edge the San Diego Padres, 3-2.

1971 On May 8, 1971, the Oakland A's trade first baseman Don Mincher, catcher Frank Fernandez, and pitcher Paul Lindblad to the Washington Senators for first baseman Mike Epstein and pitcher Darold Knowles. Epstein and Knowles will help Oakland to its first-ever appearance in post-season play.

1968 On May 8, 1968, future Hall of Famer Catfish Hunter of the Oakland A's pitches a perfect game against the Minnesota Twins. Hunter strikes out 11 Twins and also drives in three runs in the 4-0 victory. Hunter's perfect game is the first in the American League during the regular season in 46 years. Don Larsen had pitched a perfect game in the 1956 World Series.

1966 On May 8, 1966, Frank Robinson of the Baltimore Orioles becomes the first player to hit a home run completely out of Memorial Stadium. Robby's 451-foot blast ends Luis Tiant's scoreless innings streak at 27 and helps the O's to an 8-3 win over the Cleveland Indians.

1966 On May 8, 1966, the San Francisco Giants trade future Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitcher Ray Sadecki. Cepeda, who has been bothered by bad knees, is deemed expendable because of the presence of Willie McCovey at first base. The Giants will regret the deal, as Cepeda will win the MVP in 1967.

1961 On May 8, 1961, the expansion franchise in New York announces that it will be known as the Mets, short for "Metropolitans." The nickname is chosen over such names as Burros, Rebels, and Avengers.

1906 On May 8, 1906, Philadelphia A's manager Connie Mack inserts pitcher Chief Bender into left field because of a rash of injuries to his regular outfielders. Making his outfield debut in the sixth inning, Bender responds by hitting two inside-the-park home runs.

1901 On May 8, 1901, the Boston Pilgrims play their American League home opener. The Pilgrims defeat the Philadelphia Athletics behind the pitching of Cy Young, who had jumped from St. Louis of the National League after the 1900 season. Young will win 33 games for Boston in 1901.