Yankees All Time Top Opening Day Pitchers

Mandatory Credit: http://www.encore-editions.com

Number Three: Bob Shawkey.

With his 3-1 record, Shawkey showed he had no problem handling the jitters of opening day. He had the distinction of being the first pitcher to pitch at Yankee Stadium, and the first pitcher to record a victory in the House That Ruth Built. Behind Ruth´s  three run homer and Shawkey´s complete game, the Yankees won 4-1. Shawkey was also a two time world series winner and the 1920 American ERA champion. He totaled 207 wins for his career with 1,360 strikeouts. He was also a five time 20 game winner. His 15 strikeouts in one game was the Yankees team record until Whitey Ford surpassed it. It had been a record that had stood for 59 years.

Shawkey also managed the Yankees in 1930. In 1976, as the Yankees unveiled the newly renovated Yankee Stadium, they invited him to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. So, in a sense, he was the opening pitcher in Yankee Stadium twice.

Although his winning percentage is lower than Johnson´s and Larsen´s on opening day, he is given third place here due to his extra victory.