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 27, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) throws a pitch during the first inning against Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) throws a pitch during the first inning against Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

21. The Mets win, win and win some more

No team in Major League Baseball has experienced more winning on Opening Day than the New York Mets. Since their inception as a franchise in 1962, the Mets have the best winning percentage in the league on Opening Day. They have won eight of their past 11 openers, and 35 of their past 47. This is even more impressive considering the team lost their first eight Opening Days while muddling through their early years.

It has helped to have some of the best pitchers in the league over the past five decades. With the team’s best taking the ball to start the year, the Mets have had the upper hand in most of their Opening Days. Hall of Famer Tom Seaver, who spent most of his best years in New York almost always gave his team a chance to win. Seaver holds the record for Opening Day starts with 16. The Mets also employed aces like Dwight Gooden, Johan Santana, Brett Saberhagen, and Pedro Martinez over the years.

Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter gave the Mets one of their most memorable Opening Day wins in 1985 with a walkoff home run. The Mets will turn to ace Noah Syndergaard this year to keep their winning Opening Day tradition going. They will take on the rebuilding Atlanta Braves, and have a very good chance at another win on Opening Day.

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