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This isn’t an article for those looking for what’s new and hip. It isn’t an article for those who are more interested in who Alex Rodriguez is dating right now. For those that appreciate the history of baseball, Unathletic unveils some great stories from Baseball’s Opening Day. Baseball is rich with history. There’s nothing like the Spring and Opening Day Baseball. Here are 5 historic Opening Day storylines…
n 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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