Yankees: 4 Best Opening Day Games in NYY History

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A look back at the most memorable Opening Days in New York Yankees history.

Finally. New York Yankees Opening Day has finally arrived. The 2020 MLB season is set to be one of the most memorable campaigns in the sport’s history and it feels like the perfect time to look back on some of the most unforgettable Opening Day games in franchise history.

Mind you, this list focuses solely on Opening Day games and not home openers. So Hideki Matsui’s 2003 Grand Slam or Andy Pettitte’s 1996 start in the snow won’t be included. Sorry guys!

With such a storied history, there are plenty of moments to pick and choose from. Here are my picks for the four best opening day games in Yankees history.

Bobby Murcer #17 of the New York Yankees (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

4. April 9, 1981: Bobby Murcer’s pinch-hit grand slam

Murcer had one of his last great moments in pinstripes on Opening Day, 1981.

Bobby Murcer was one of the most beloved Yankees just before the Bronx Zoo and the Yankees success in the late ’70s began. He would return after the team’s championship days were over but still played a part in historic moments, including his walk-off following the funeral of fallen teammate Thurman Munson.

In 1981, Murcer was in the twilight of his career, suiting up as the designated hitter or as a pinch-hitter, but he had some magic left.

With the Yanks hanging on to a 6-3 lead in the bottom of the seventh, Murcer approached the plate with the bases juiced and sent one of his patented shots into the right field seats. He blew the game open and sent everyone home happy.

Although Murcer’s home run is what fans remember about Opening Day 1981, starter Tommy John, at the spry age of 38 went eight strong innings and the normally light-hitting shortstop Bucky Dent went 3-for-4 with a homer.

3. April 2, 1996: Jeter Introduces Himself

Derek Jeter began his Hall of Fame journey with a great performance on his first Opening Day.

From one fan favorite who donned the number two, to another.

After a cup of coffee in the Major Leagues in 1995, Derek Jeter suited up for his first Opening Day in the frigid conditions of Cleveland. Perhaps you might remember, the first game of the season was scheduled for the day before but snow led to a cancellation.

What you definitely will remember about the first game of the 1996 campaign was a young shortstop named Derek Jeter. The rookie made his impression felt on a team set to embark on its first championship journey in 18 years.

To kick off the 1996 campaign, Jeter crushed his first career home run off veteran Dennis Martinez, who was fresh off his final All-Star campaign in 1995. Later, Jeter would make a spectacular play, ranging to the outfield to steal a hit from Omar Vizquel and keep David Cone’s shutout bid intact.

Whenever a Jeter highlight package rolls, his World Series wins and postseason heroics litter the screen. But his two plays from his 1996 Opening Day are always included.

New York would cruise to a 7-1 win thanks to a beautiful performance from Cone (7 IP, 2 H, 0 ER), Jeter’s all-around performance, and a 3-for-4 day from the Warrior, Paul O’Neill.

Members of the New York Yankees pose for a team portrait prior to a doubleheader on September 28, 1951 against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium in New York, New York. (Photo by: Kidwiler Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

2. April 17, 1951: Enter Mantle, Exit DiMaggio

One Hall of Famer begins his exit, another begins his rise.

It’s time to really turn back the clock now.

Back in 1951, the Yankees were in the middle of their historic five-peat. However, this Opening Day represented a changing of the guard in New York. Center fielder Joe DiMaggio was playing in his final season in the Bronx and a 19-year-old Mickey Mantle was making his debut in pinstripes.

New York would cruise to victory on Opening Day as both DiMaggio and Mantle notched a hit and an RBI in the 5-0 win. On the mound, Vic Rashi went nine shutout innings to silence the Red Sox.

DiMaggio would spend the rest of his final season battling injuries but managed to match his career-high with five RBI in the World Series. While Mantle was sent down to the minors at one point, he got his first taste of the postseason as well.

1951 was also the first season the “Voice of God” Bob Sheppard took over as the team’s public address announcer. To think he started his career with DiMaggio and Mantle and ending it with Jeter and Co. is amazing to think about.

A final note on the 1951 team — the Yanks featured five Hall of Famers that year. Alongside DiMaggio and Mantle, Phil Rizzuto, Yogi Berra and Johnny Mize helped lead the championship roster.

1. April 18, 1923: Ruth Christens the Stadium

Ruth officially makes Yankee Stadium his “House.”

Before Yankee Stadium was built, the New York franchise played in both Hilltop Park in Manhattan and the legendary Polo Grounds. Thanks in large part to Ruth’s superstar status, a new cathedral was built.

In the first game at Yankee Stadium, none other than Babe Ruth would christen the building with its first home run. “The House That Ruth Built” would also open up with a victory as New York took down the Boston Red Sox, 4-1.

In the fourth inning, Ruth stepped up to the plate and crushed a three-run shot to open the new ballpark, a place the Yankees would call home until 2008. Bob Shawkey also kept the Boston bats quiet, allowing just one run in a complete game effort.

Just like when the Yankees were able to do when the new building opened up in 2009, the inaugural season of the Stadium ended with the franchise’s first World Series title.

Next. Yankees: Interview With Reliever Adam Ottavino. dark

All these years later, it’s still amazing that the best Opening Day in franchise history was the first one in Yankee Stadium. After years of dominance and multiple dynasties, Ruth’s home run overshadows every other season.

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