Yankees: 4 Best Opening Day Games in NYY History

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.

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.