Candice S. Miller: “May 18, 2004, will go down in history for all fans of the Arizona Diamondbacks and all fans of Major League Baseball…”

“May 18, 2004, will go down in history for all fans of the Arizona Diamondbacks and all fans of Major League Baseball because on that night, 40-year-old Randy Johnson became the oldest pitcher in major league history to throw a perfect game. He retired all 27 Atlanta Braves he faced to lead his team, the Arizona Diamondbacks, to a 2-0 victory. It took him 117 pitches to throw the first perfect game, and first no-hitter, in Diamondbacks' history. Johnson became only the 17th pitcher in major league history to pitch a perfect game. On this day in May, Randy Johnson was, indeed, perfect. He recorded 13 strikeouts, and he put out the other 14 Atlanta hitters during his dazzling display of pitching dominance. Perhaps the neatest thing about Johnson's perfect night was the support he enjoyed from the Atlanta fans. As Johnson neared his momentous accomplishment toward the end of the game, the 20,000-plus fans in Atlanta, keep in mind these are the fans of the opposing team, encouraged him with standing ovations and chanted his name. It was a terrific night for America's favorite pastime and a terrific night for Randy Johnson and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Mr. Speaker, the House salutes Randy Johnson for pitching a perfect game.”