Top 25 Opening Day performances of all time

22. Felix is the King of Opening Day

Felix Hernandez is MLB’s reining King of Opening Day — fitting because his nickname is King Felix. Hernandez is 5-1 on Opening Day in his career, and has an ERA well below 2.00 in his nine starts. He is approaching the top of the list for most strikeouts on Opening Day for a starting pitcher, and is the active leader in the category.

Hernandez turned in his best Opening Day start in 2007. The M’s opened that year against the Oakland A’s, and King Felix did not disappoint. He was only 20 years old at the time, but had big expectations. Hernandez went eight innings, did not allow a run, and struck out 12. He was the youngest Opening Day starter in more than two decades. Hernandez had another very impressive start in 2011, throwing a complete game, also against the A’s.

The Mariners will obviously give Hernandez the ball this year on Opening Day, and he is looking to rebound in 2017. He went 11-8 last year with his worst ERA since 2007. Injuries have begun taking away his velocity and effectiveness, but Hernandez is still an ace. He is entering his age-31 season, and could still make a run at most of the MLB records for Opening Day starters.