As the sun began to rise over the Bronx on Thursday morning, Yankee fans, the smell of hotdogs and cheap beer, the sounds of “let’s go Yankees” chants and the arrival of the 4 train gradually filled the streets in anticipation for the commencement of the 2023 season. This isn’t just any ordinary day in the Bronx. It’s a holy day of obligation. It’s a holiday. It’s a feeling of overwhelming emotion and excitement for what might be in October.
Opening day could not have gone much better for the Yankees, except for maybe the winter-like temps and wind chill. And though the Yankees open the season with a mount of injuries, I saw no evidence as such.
The Holy Day of Obligation's Most Shining Moments
Mariano Rivera throws out the first pitch
The lone unanimous Hall of Famer and former Yankees closer, Mariano Rivera, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. To no surprise, Mo can still throw some heat. It was a bummer and a huge missed opportunity that the Yankees forgot to play Mo’s walkout song, “Enter Sandman” by Metallica.
Anthony Volpe makes his debut as the Yankees starting shortstop
Anthony Volpe played his first big league game as the Yankees’ new starting shortstop after earning the spot in spring training. Volpe flashed his new uniform number 11, which was formerly OF Brett Gardner’s number. In humble fashion, Volpe called Gardy prior to choosing the number to request his blessing. Of course, Gardy came in clutch.
Bleacher Creatures didn’t miss a beat
The Bleacher Creatures came prepared, because, of course. Not only did they bring a banner with a graphic of the Arson Judge tweet, they also executed their first roll calls of the season flawlessly. Volpe reacted as if he had been doing this for years when he kissed the Yankees logo on his jersey. I mean the guy has been a Yankee fan his whole life, so I’m sure he’s been rehearsing this moment in his head for years, but he did get a little guidance from his Captain, and his gesture just may have been a homage.
“I was kind of ragging on him a little bit,” Judge said. “I said, ‘I know you’re a big Yankee fan. You’ve got to have something special for the Bleacher Creatures if you’re going to be the shortstop for the New York Yankees.’” - Judge told MLB's Bryan Hoch
Aaron Judge knocks one out on his second pitch
You couldn’t write a more beautiful script than for 2022 AL MVP Aaron Judge to return to Yankee Stadium on Opening Day in his #99 pinstripes as the Yankees’ 16th Captain, and to be the first player in MLB to hit a homerun in the 2023 season. As Judge approached the plate for the first time, fans chanted, “MVP! MVP!” As the second pitch came in, a sinker, the crowd was as still as it was during his chase for 62 last season, that ball was a goner, right over the center field wall. ALL RISE. That’s our Captain.
Gleyber Day came early!
In the bottom of the fourth, Gleyber Torres launched a moon shot, the second of the game, right over the center field wall. Josh Donaldson scored. The Yankees then went up on the Giants 3-0. That wasn’t all for Gleyby. He ended the day with 1 HR, 1 BB, 2 RBI, 2 R, and 1 SB.
Cole Train full steam ahead
Gerrit Cole picked up right where he left off last season: just out here setting records. Cole brought the whole package. The mental game was as strong as we’ve ever seen it, and he absolutely shoved. In 6 innings pitched, Cole struck out 11 batters, allowing 0 runs, surpassing the previously held Yankees Opening Day record of 9 SO. Cole isn’t going to allow the injury bug to interfere with doing his part as the Ace and leader of the starting rotation.
Volpe walks his first at-bat, steals base
The kid did exactly what he was called up to do. He executed his first at bat perfectly, working a walk through six pitches. He pulled out the speed and aggression, too, when he managed to snatch a base.
Yankees shut-out Giants, win 5-0
Relieving Cole were Wandy Peralta, Jonathan Loaisiga, and Ron Marinaccio who closed it out with two strong innings. In two innings pitched, Marinaccio had 3 SO, and allowed 0 H. The Yankees got the win over the Giants 5-0.
New rules? What new rules?
Among MLB's new rules, the pitch-clock has been the talk of the town for months now. The world remains pretty divided. Either you love it or you hate it. I think most could agree that getting out of that 20 degree wind chill within 2 hours, 33 minutes, was fine in that instance. While the Giants ended up with one violation, the Yankees did not.
The Yankees resume their 3-game series with the Giants on Saturday, and will open up another 3-game series at home with the Phillies on Monday.
- Yankees off to the hottest start since 2003, sweep Astros 4-0 in season opener - April 1, 2024
- Yankees' full-squad Spring Training officially underway - February 20, 2024
- Why the Yankees’ rotation may not be complete just yet - February 17, 2024
