Hey, look! Is it that time already? Major League Baseball’s Opening Day is tomorrow – Thursday, March 31! Why does it seem a little early, you ask? Well, the MLB adopted the recommendation of The Commissioner’s Special Committee for On-Field Matters to begin the regular season earlier and mid-week to avoid playing World Series games in November. The change was made after consultation with the Major League Baseball Players Association.
So, in honor of this exciting week, we gathered some Opening Day fun facts for you to chew on – until you get a hold of that all-beef hot dog with the works at the game!
1.) In 1940 Cleveland pitcher Bob Feller threw a no-hitter against the White Sox. It remains the only no-hitter in Opening Day history.
2.) Harry Truman was the only president to throw out left-handed and right-handed first pitches on Opening Day. He showcased his ambidextrous talents on April 18, 1950.
3.) Hall of Famer Frank Robinson and Ken Griffey Jr. share the record for most career home runs on the first day of the season, with eight Opening Day homers each.
4.) Boston Braves fans sat down to an unpleasant surprise on Opening Day in 1946. The outfield stands had recently received a fresh coat of red paint, but cold, damp weather had prevented it from drying. Hundreds of angry, paint-stained spectators marched to the Braves’ offices. The team agreed to pay their cleaning bills and made a public apology in a newspaper ad.
5.) On Opening Day in 1974, several naked fans rushed onto the field at Chicago’s Comiskey Park, disrupting the game and inciting violence in the stands.
While we’re talking baseball, check out this video of our ground-breaking permeable paved parking lot we completed at U.S. Cellular Field!
What team are you cheering for this Opening Day? Share it with us by commenting below!
Terry Smith is the Chief Operating Officer at Rose Paving and a seasoned expert in the paving industry. With decades of hands-on experience, he leads operations with a focus on quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
