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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Sep 13, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins manager Paul Molitor (4) watches from the dugout during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins manager Paul Molitor (4) watches from the dugout during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Camilo Pascual whiffs 15

For a brief time in the late 1950s and early 1960s, Camilo Pascual was one of the most dominant strikeout pitchers in baseball. He led the league in strikeouts three years in a row from 1961 to 1963, and went to the All-Star Game five times in six years from 1959 to 1964.

In 1960, Pascual set the Opening Day record with 15 strikeouts. Pitching for the Minnesota Twins, he sat down 15 hitters from the Boston Red Sox. He broke the old record of 14 strikeouts on Opening Day, set by Hall of Famer Walter Johnson. Pascual would go on to finish the year with a 3.03 ERA, but was only able to make 22 starts due to injury. During his time in the league, Pascual was known for having one of the best curveballs in baseball. After his Opening Day masterpiece, he turned down a chance to meet President Eisenhower because he was not confident in his command of the English language.

Unfortunately for Pascual, his run of dominance in the big leagues would be very limited. He was only able to start more than 30 games in a season once in his final seven years as a big leaguer. Throwing so many innings at a young age damaged his arm, and cut short his career. Pascual threw 90 complete games during his best run from 1959 to 1964. Ultimately, he would win 174 games during his career with a 3.63 ERA. Pascual retired with over 2,100 strikeouts, and is a member of the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame.

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