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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CHICAGO – APRIL 23: Corey Patterson #20 of the Chicago Cubs bats against the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 23, 2005 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Pirates defeated the Cubs 4-3. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO – APRIL 23: Corey Patterson #20 of the Chicago Cubs bats against the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 23, 2005 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Pirates defeated the Cubs 4-3. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

5. Corey Patterson drive in seven

Corey Patterson was supposed to be one of the driving forces to put the Chicago Cubs over the top. The center fielder was one of the biggest prospects in baseball leading up to his debut in the big leagues, but his career never fully materialized. His blend of speed and power should have made him a long-time All-Star for the Cubbies, but his plate discipline was sorely lacking.

It all came together in a spectacular way for Patterson on Opening Day of the 2003 season. On that day, the New York Mets were witness to a full display of everything Patterson could be at his best. He hit two home runs that day, and tied a record for RBI on Opening Day with seven.

The 2003 season would wind up being one of the best in Patterson’s 12-year career. Although he was limited to only 83 games, he hit 13 home runs, drove in 55, and stole 16 bases to go along with a .298/.329/.511 slash line. Patterson was so close to putting it all together and becoming a star, but he eventually ran out of chances.

Patterson finished his career with 118 home runs, with a career-high of 24 in 2004. He also knocked in 72 and stole 32 bases. Patterson had two solid years with the Baltimore Orioles in 2006 and 2007, but his biggest career highlight will always be knocking in seven on Opening Day.

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