Yankees All Time Top Opening Day Pitchers

Jun 6, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays former manager Cito Gaston (left), catcher Ernie Whitt and pitcher Jimmy Key await opening ceremonies at Rogers Centre as the Jays celebrate the 25th anniversary of the opening of their stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Number One: Jimmy Key.

No Yankees pitcher enjoyed greater opening day success than Jimmy Key. He had three wins versus no defeats. He led the majors in wins in 1994, with 17 victories in the season that was shortened by the strike. In 1993, he struck 173 for the Yankees, the most of his career.

Of course, there are others who certainly deserve inclusion in the conversation. Mel Stottlemyre started seven times and won four. Whitey Ford started seven times with two wins. Lefty Gomez started six times, but only won twice. Red Ruffing started five times with three victories. Ron Guidry started six times without a victory. To be fair to Gator, he did have four no decisions. Roger Clemens started four times and won twice. Rounding out the honorable mention is CC Sabathia, who has six Yankees opening day starts with three defeats and three no decisions.

So now Tanaka is set to take the torch. ¨I do feel very honored to get all this attention, he said, also according to Brainyquote. ¨Basically, what I need to do is to go out there and perform. That’s what I’m intending to do.¨