FAQ About Baseball Opening Day

Baseball Opening Day
10 months ago | gizem

Top 10 Iconic Moments in Baseball Opening Day History!

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.