Dave Mlicki‘s major league career lasted ten seasons. By comparison, it was a rather modest decade: 66-80, a 4.72 ERA, and a 1.47 WHIP. He spent four years with the Mets registering a 24-30 record and an ERA+ of 98.

Of the 66 victories in the majors and 24 as a Met, his night at Yankee Stadium clearly stands out. It wasn’t any ordinary game, contrary to what some players may have said. It was the first-ever regular-season meeting between the two New York clubs

The advent of interleague play gave great anticipation to several regional match-ups that had not yet been seen. And because of New York’s storied history, the Mets and Yankees had the most build-up.

It was the 29-year-old Mlicki who got the start on the historic occasion. All he did was become, still to this day, the only Met to throw a shutout at Yankee Stadium—current or previous.

“It was one of those days where everything was working,” Mlicki said to the New York Post last year. “I had confidence in my stuff. The fans were into it. It was such a big deal.”

Although he gave up nine hits and allowed two walks over 119 pitches and managed just a single 1-2-3 frame, the Yankees were unable to get on the scoreboard. Much of the credit goes to Mlicki of course for striking out eight and preventing any trouble. But he also got assistance from his defense—including sharp glove plays from Matt Franco at third base and Bernard Gilkey in left field.

Gilkey scored three times on the night. He crossed the plate on a John Olerud double off Andy Pettitte in the first as the Mets jumped out to an early 3-0 lead. The Mets added two more on an Olerud seventh-inning single and another on Gilkey’s ninth-inning sacrifice fly.

The Yankees added more traffic on the bases in the ninth. But despite three singles, Mlicki stayed in and preserved his scoreless effort—striking out Derek Jeter to finish off the 5-0 win and earn bragging rights over the defending world champions.

Mlicki finished ’97 at 8-12 with an ERA of 4.00. But his season, his Mets career, and his big-league career is forever remembered by his stellar night at the Bronx. As Mlicki told the Post last year, many haven’t forgotten.

“I’ll be at a golf tournament and some Mets fan will come to me and say, ‘Oh my God, I was at that game! I still have the ticket stub!’ All New York fans are so passionate about their sports. It’s what makes it so great. It’s nice to still be relevant sometimes.”