As one would expect, a franchise as storied as the Yankees has had some memorable Opening Days. Babe Ruth christened the brand new “House that Ruth Built” in 1923 with the first home run in the new stadium, because of course he did. Opening Day in 1951 would be the last for Joe DiMaggio but the first for the 19-year-old in right field wearing uniform No. 6, Mickey Mantle, as well as the first for legendary P.A. announcer Bob Sheppard. (In an amusing twist, the first player name Sheppard ever announced was Boston’s, Dom DiMaggio.)
Ron Blomberg made history as MLB’s first designated hitter in 1973 and both Roger Maris and Derek Jeter loudly and memorably announced their presence as Yankees who would make history with their initial Opening Day salvos in 1960 and 1996, respectively.