FAQ About Baseball Opening Day
Baseball Opening Day
3 months ago | gizem
Top 10 Iconic Moments in Baseball Opening Day History!
- Jackie Robinson's Debut (1947): On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson made history by breaking the color barrier in MLB. He made his debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers, marking a transformative moment in the sport and American society.
- Hank Aaron's Record-Breaking Home Run (1974): On Opening Day in 1974, Hank Aaron hit his 714th home run, tying Babe Ruth's career record. It set the stage for Aaron eventually surpassing Ruth's mark and becoming MLB's all-time home run leader.
- Bob Feller's Opening Day No-Hitter (1940): On April 16, 1940, Bob Feller threw a no-hitter for the Cleveland Indians against the Chicago White Sox. It remains the only Opening Day no-hitter in MLB history.
- Ted Williams' Home Run in His Final At-Bat (1960): In his last at-bat on Opening Day in 1960, Boston Red Sox legend Ted Williams hit a home run. It was a storybook ending to an illustrious career.
- President William Howard Taft's First Pitch (1910): President Taft became the first sitting U.S. president to throw the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day, starting a tradition that continues to this day.
- Derek Jeter's Final Home Opener (2014): In his final home opener at Yankee Stadium on April 7, 2014, Derek Jeter had a memorable game, contributing with a key hit and helping the New York Yankees secure a victory.
- Babe Ruth's First Home Run at Yankee Stadium (1923): In the inaugural game at the original Yankee Stadium on Opening Day in 1923, Babe Ruth hit a three-run home run, forever associating the new ballpark with his legendary career.
- Kirk Gibson's Pinch-Hit Walk-Off Home Run (1988): On Opening Day in 1988, Kirk Gibson, pinch-hitting for the Los Angeles Dodgers, hit a dramatic walk-off home run against the New York Mets.
- Ken Griffey Jr.'s Three Home Runs (1997): Playing for the Seattle Mariners on Opening Day in 1997, Ken Griffey Jr. hit three home runs against the Chicago White Sox, showcasing his exceptional talent.
- Fernando Valenzuela's Opening Day Shutout (1981): Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela threw a shutout on Opening Day in 1981, setting the tone for his remarkable rookie season.
