The History of Baseball Opening Day

There have been some historic moments that have occurred on the Opening Day of the Major League Baseball season over the decades. From the first president to throw out a ball at an Opening Day game, William Howard Taft in 1910, to Hall of Famer Tom Seaver matching the great Walter Johnson for the most Opening Day starts with his 14th in 1983, the first day of the new season has seen some special events.

  1. Jackie Robinson

    • On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play in a Major League contest. He started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers at the age of 28, going hitless in three at-bats versus the Boston Braves.

    Frank Robinson

    • Frank Robinson became baseball's first black manager on Opening Day of the 1975 season. He not only managed the Cleveland Indians to a 5 to 3 triumph over the New York Yankees, he hit a home run as a player/manager.

    Bob Feller

    • The greatest pitching performance on Opening Day belongs to another Hall of Famer-Bob Feller. He was able to no-hit the Chicago White Sox at their home field of Comisky Park by a 1-0 score.

    Hank Aaron

    • Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves tied Babe Ruth for career homers with his 714th home run on April 4, 1974, on Opening Day against the Cincinnati Reds. Aaron would eclipse Ruth's record later in the week at home in Atlanta.

    Don Drysdale

    • On Opening Day of the 1959 season, pitcher Don Drysdale set a record by hitting a home run. He became the only pitcher to ever have hit two on Opening Days.