Today in Baseball History: May 25th

1989 On May 25, 1989, the Seattle Mariners trade star pitcher Mark Langston and a player to be named later to the Montreal Expos for three young pitchers. One of them is six-foot, 10-inch left-hander Randy Johnson, who will become the Mariners' ace and one of the top pitchers in baseball.

1984 On May 25, 1984, the Boston Red Sox acquire first baseman/outfielder Bill Buckner from the Chicago Cubs for pitcher Dennis Eckersley and infielder Mike Brumley. Buckner will give the Red Sox nearly three productive seasons, but will be remembered mostly for his critical error in Game Six of the 1986 World Series.

1960 On May 25, 1960, George "Big Daddy" Crowe sets a major league record by hitting his 11th career pinch-hit home run. Crowe's latest pinch homer, which comes against Don McMahon of the Milwaukee Braves, provides the winning margin in the St. Louis Cardinals' 5-3 victory.

1951 On May 25, 1951, Willie Mays makes his major league debut for the New York Giants. Mays struggles in his first game, going hitless in five at-bats against the Philadelphia Phillies.

1937 On May 25, 1937, the playing career of Mickey Cochrane comes to an end when he is hit in the right temple by a Bump Hadley fastball. The future Hall of Famer will fall in and out of a coma over the next 10 days before recovering.

1935 On May 25, 1935, Babe Ruth hits the final three home runs - numbers 712, 713 and 714 - of his brilliant career. Ruth, wrapping up his playing days with the Boston Braves, connects three times and adds a double in an 11-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ruth's total of 714 career home runs will stand as the major league record until surpassed by Hank Aaron in 1974.