Yankees: 4 Best Opening Day Games in NYY History

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.