The Captain's Blog

Jorge Posada is set to catch his 11th straight opener for the Yankees.

In 2010, one Yankee will be making his 11^th consecutive opening day start at the same position. Since 1952, that is tied for the third longest such streak in team history (see list below). I am sure most of you have already guessed that the player in question is Derek Jeter. Of course, you would be wrong. Although 2010 will mark Jeter’s 14^th opening day start at SS, that span was interrupted in 2001 when he was forced to miss the opener because of a strained thigh muscle. Luis Sojo filled in and went 0-4 as the Yankees beat the Royals 7-3. Jeter can take solace, however, because the captain will move within one of Mickey Mantle’s team leading total of 15 Opening Day starts.

Most Consecutive Opening Day Starts At The Same Position

Willie Randolph, 2B: 13 games from 1976 to 1988
Mickey Mantle, CF: 12 games from 1952 to 1963
Jorge Posada, C: 11 games from 2000 to 2010
Graig Nettles, 3B: 11 games from 2000 to 2010

Total Opening Day Starts

Mickey Mantle: 15 (all consectuive, but at different positions)
Derek Jeter: 14
Bernie Williams: 13
Willie Randolph: 13

It’s one thing to crack the Opening Day lineup, but another to perform. Based on RE24 (Base-Out Runs Added), the best Opening Day in Yankee history (since 1920) was recorded by Yogi Berra. On April 17, 1956, Berra went 4-4 for a walk, home run, double and 5 RBIs. Meanwhile on the pitching side, Ron Guidry turned in the Yankees best Opening Day start, based on game score. On April 10, 1980, Guidry dazzled the Rangers by throwing a 2-hit shutout. In the game, Guidry walked none and struck out 4.

Roberto Kelly went 4 for 4 with a HR and 2 SBs on Opening Day in 1989.

Most HRs: 2 (Pepitone, Maris, Mantle, Ruth, Byrd)
Most RBIs: 5( Berra, Arod, Ruth)
Most Hits: 4 (Boggs, Kelly, Maris, Matsui, Berra)
Highest RE24: 5.285 (Berra)
Most Ks: 9 (Leary)
Highest Game Score: 87 (Guidry)

As for the team, the Yankees have gone 63-45-1 on the first day of the season, dating back to their origins as the Baltimore Orioles. On opening day against Boston at Fenway Park, the Yankees are 13-13, including a 5 game winning streak (1970, 1971, 1973, 1985, 2005) dating back to 1960.