The opening day of the MLB regular season is an exciting time for baseball fans, with the anticipation of divisional matchups and the start of a new season. As teams gear up for the first games of the season, fans look forward to seeing their favorite players in action. However, not every team has a lineup of heavy hitters or All-Star pitchers. Despite this, the 2024 MLB season is shaping up to be an interesting one, with strong divisional matchups on the horizon.
As fans eagerly await the start of the season, it’s fun to look back on some of the greatest opening day gaffes in MLB history. From the New York Mets losing their franchise debut in 1962 to Nolan Ryan walking 10 batters in a game in 1974, there have been many memorable moments on opening day. In 2005, the game between the Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres was a back-and-forth battle that ended with the Rockies coming out on top in a 12-10 victory.
The Philadelphia Phillies have a history of playing long opening day games, with 12 games going into extra innings and two ending in a tie. In 2012, the Cleveland Guardians and Toronto Blue Jays played the longest opening day game on record, lasting 16 innings and over 5 hours. The game saw 14 different pitchers take the mound before it ended in a 7-4 victory for the Blue Jays.
The Miami Marlins have struggled on opening day, with a record of 12-18 since the franchise began in 1993. Despite this, the Marlins continue to compete each season. In 2021, the Los Angeles Dodgers had a memorable opening day moment when Cody Bellinger hit what he thought was a home run, only for Justin Turner to pass him on the base path thinking the ball had been caught. The play resulted in Bellinger being called out, but the Dodgers still went on to win the game.
As the 2024 MLB season kicks off, fans can expect thrilling matchups, memorable moments, and exciting gameplay. While teams may have their strengths and weaknesses, opening day always brings out the best in players as they compete for victory. With a long history of memorable opening day moments, including gaffes and record-setting games, baseball fans can look forward to another season full of excitement and surprises.
