Fansided

Top 25 Opening Day performances of all time

By Joshua Sadlock

Apr 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies fans enjoy festivities outside the ballpark before a game between the Phillies and the San Diego Padres on Opening Day at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies fans enjoy festivities outside the ballpark before a game between the Phillies and the San Diego Padres on Opening Day at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Former Detroit Tiger Kirk Gibson throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Former Detroit Tiger Kirk Gibson throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Kirk Gibson sinks the Red Sox

Kirk Gibson will always be remembered for his heroic home run in the 1988 World Series. There were plenty of other great moments in Gibby’s career, including Opening Day of the 1986 season. Gibson had one of the best Opening Days in Detroit Tigers history that day.

Gibson went 4-for-4 with two home runs and five RBI. The game was a back-and-forth affair, and Gibson’s home runs were what helped to give Jack Morris his eighth win on Opening Day. His first homer came in the fifth inning and gave Detroit a 4-2 lead. Boston had rallied with three runs in the seventh inning to take the lead. Gibson came back to the plate and put the Tigers ahead with another two-run homer. From there, Detroit held on for the win.

The 1986 season would turn into one of the finest of Gibson’s 17-year career. He hit .268/.371/.492 with 28 home runs and 34 stolen bases. Gibson had two more good years after that before knee injuries slowed him. He ended his career with 255 home runs, 284 steals, an MVP, and two World Series titles, but was somehow never voted to the All-Star Game.

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