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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SARASOTA, FL – MARCH, 1950: Outfielder Ted Williams, of the Boston Red Sox, poses for an action portrait during a Spring Training in March, 1950 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by: Diamond Images/Getty Images)
SARASOTA, FL – MARCH, 1950: Outfielder Ted Williams, of the Boston Red Sox, poses for an action portrait during a Spring Training in March, 1950 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by: Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

20. Ted Williams just shows up and hits

The Splendid Splinter, Ted Williams famously had hitting down to an exact science. With such a refined approach to hitting, it’s no surprise that it never took Williams long to get started in the batter’s box. He is one of the best, if not the best Opening Day hitters in MLB history. Williams does not hold any specific records for most hits or home runs on Opening Day, but he terrorized opposing pitchers nonetheless.

For his career, Williams batted .449 with three home runs and 14 RBI in 14 Opening Day games. He recorded a hit in every opener in which he played. In April, Williams batted .333/.483/.605 with 31 home runs and 108 knocked in. He did not play many April games as his career was interrupted by service as a fighter pilot in World War II.

These days, plenty of MLB players struggle to start the year. Working through their swings and timing can make for plenty of sloppy baseball in the opening month. There are still those that get off to hot starts, but no one started his seasons better than Ted Williams. Everything about his approach at the plate was carefully measured. He was a rare talent as a hitter.

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