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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October 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Hanley Ramirez (13) hits an RBi double in the first inning against the Cleveland Indians during game one of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball game at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
October 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Hanley Ramirez (13) hits an RBi double in the first inning against the Cleveland Indians during game one of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball game at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

18. Ramirez and Pedroia both homer twice

On Opening Day of the 2015 season, both Hanley Ramirez and Dustin Pedroia of the Boston Red Sox homered twice off Cole Hamels and the Philadelphia Phillies. It was a big day for Ramirez as he made his Boston debut. Boston won the game by a score of 8-0, and Clay Buchholz allowed only three hits over seven innings.

Unfortunately, the 2015 season would not follow the same script for the Red Sox. The team struggled with its pitching staff, and finished in last place with a 78-84 record. Ramirez struggled with injuries for most of the season. Another big free-agent addition for the Red Sox, Pablo Sandoval also struggled with his weight. Pedroia would be limited to only 93 games due to injuries, but returned to form in 2016.

Ramirez would finish the year with 19 home runs after his Opening Day salvo. It actually appeared he would be on track for an epic first season in Boston, as he hit 10 home runs before the end of April. Injuries eventually ended his season after only 105 games. Ramirez bounced back and had a strong season in 2016. The Red Sox will be counting on him to come close to replicating his 30-homer, 110-RBI season in 2017.

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