Rank

Event

10

In 1959, the Dodgers’ Don Drysdale hit his second Opening Day home run, becoming the only pitcher to hit more than one career homer in Opening Day games. Drysdale’s historic blast accounted for the Dodgers’ only run in a 6-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs.

9

In 1907, the Giants’ Roger Bresnahan played the game wearing leg guards usually used in cricket—believed to be the first shinguards in major league history. The leg guards came in handy in that April 11th game, protecting Bresnahan from a fifth-inning foul tip. Other catchers would follow Bresnahan’s lead and wear similar shin guards.

8

In 1971, Willie Mays of the San Francisco Giants blasted a home run on Opening Day, marking the start of an historic streak. Mays would hit home runs in each of the Giants’ first four games, setting a major league record.

7

In 1983, Tom Seaver made his first appearance for the New York Mets since 1977 and matched an Opening Day record in the process. For Seaver, it was his 14th Opening Day assignment, tying the major league record set by Walter Johnson. Seaver defeated the Philadelphia Phillies, 2-0, at Shea Stadium.

6

In 1910, William Howard Taft became the first U.S. President to throw out a ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day. Attending the game in Washington, D.C., President Taft tossed the first ball to future Hall of Famer Walter Johnson and that ball now resides in Cooperstown.

5

In 1975, Frank Robinson of the Cleveland Indians became the first African-American manager in the history of the major leagues, making his managerial debut at Cleveland’s Municipal Stadium… Robinson not only guided the Indians to a 5-3 victory over the New York Yankees, but also hit the 575th home run of his illustrious career.

4

In 1917, Boston’s Babe Ruth pitched a three-hitter in shutting down the Yankees on Opening Day. Ruth’s performance marked the start of good things to come. He would win 24 games in 1917, while leading the American League with 35 complete games.

3

In 1974, Atlanta Braves slugger Hank Aaron blasted an historic three-run home run against Reds pitcher Jack Billingham. The home run, coming on April 4 at Riverfront Stadium, was the 714th of Aaron’s career, tying him with the legendary Babe Ruth for the most home runs in major league history. Four days later, Aaron would break Ruth’s long-standing record by hitting a home run against Al Downing of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

2

In 1940: Cleveland’s Bob Feller hurled the first and only Opening Day no-hitter in major league history. Feller out-dueled Edgar Smith of the Chicago White Sox in winning a 1-0 decision at Comiskey Park.

1

In 1947, 28-year-old Jackie Robinson made an historic debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the 20th century. Robinson went 0-for-3 in his debut but flawlessly handled 11 chances at first base against the Boston Braves.

Rank

Event

Top 10 Opening Day Feats by the Hall of Fame