A word about May 18

We remember May 18: 

Vatican history:   We remember that John Paul II was born on this day in 1920 and died in 2005.  He was born Karol Józef Wojtyła in Wadowice, Poland.

US history:    The GOP nominated Abraham Lincoln on this day in 1860,   He was selected in the 3rd ballot of what we would call today a very contested election.

Old Russia:    Nicholas II was born on this day in 1868.  He was the last Russian emperor (1894–1917). In 1918, he and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks.

Country music:    We say happy birthday to George Strait, the modern king of country. He’s sold over 100 million records and hit the # 1 spot 60 times.

Mr. October:   We say happy birthday to Reggie Jackson, who was born in Pennsylvania on this day in 1946.    Jackson came up with the A’s in 1967 and put together quite a career:   561 HR, 1,701 RBI, AL MVP 1973, 18 HR in 77 post-season games and 3 HR in game 6 of the 1977 World Series.   Jackson was selected to the Hall of Fame in 1993.

Orioles history:    We say happy birthday to Brooks Robinson, who was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on this day in 1937.   Overall, he hit .267 with 2,848 hits, 268 HR & 1,367 RBI.   Brooks had a reputation for being a great clutch hitter.     In his prime, he could hit a HR, a double or make a great play at third.   Robinson was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983 and continues to be one of the most popular players of all time.

Super lefty:    On this day in 2004, Randy Johnson pitched a perfect game.    According to Robby Hammock, who caught the game, the whole team sensed it right away.    Great night for the future Hall of Famer.  

Music history:  We remember Pierino Como who was born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, on this day in 1912.     We remember him as Perry Como, one of the most successful male vocalists ever.