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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Jul 26, 2015; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Hall of Fame Inductee Randy Johnson makes his acceptance speech during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies at Clark Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 26, 2015; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Hall of Fame Inductee Randy Johnson makes his acceptance speech during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies at Clark Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /

19. Randy Johnson flirts with a no-hitter

There has only been one no-hitter on Opening Day in MLB history (more on that later), but Hall of Famer Randy Johnson flirted with a no-no on Opening Day of the 1994 season. Pitching for the Seattle Mariners against the Cleveland Indians as they opened their sparkling new park, Jacobs Field, Johnson did not allow a hit until the eighth inning.

Even without his best command — Johnson would walk five that day — he was dominant. The big left-hander would be lifted after allowing a second hit, but picked up the win. His performance had Bob Feller, the pitcher with the Opening Day no-no, nervous as he looked on.

"“I ran to the restroom between innings and I ran back to the booth and he was up and down in the hallways,” said radio play-by-play announcer Tom Hamilton, then in his fifth year with the Indians. “And I said, ‘Bob, what’s the matter?’ He said, ‘He can’t throw this thing.’ I didn’t get it. Then I was informed Bob was the only one to throw a no-hitter [on Opening Day.] He was adamant that there not be one thrown.” The game was also nationally televised on ESPN. Feller burst into the booth and said to Chris Berman and company, loudly, “You know, I’m the only guy that has a no-hitter on Opening Day.”"

It’s funny that Feller was so protective of his status as the only pitcher to toss a no-hitter on Opening Day. Whatever he did to derail the bid worked, and he is still alone. Johnson had a history of dominating on Opening Day, and is the all-time leader in Opening Day strikeouts.

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