Tyler O’Neill tried to pinpoint reason for Opening Day success after record-setting night
"It’s got to be something to do with the pregame ceremony."
Tyler O’Neill’s thoughts after setting a record: The Red Sox got the 2024 season off to a winning start in Seattle on Thursday night, even amid the lack of expectations currently permeating discussion of the team.
Boston’s 6-4 win over the Mariners was highlighted by a piece of history from outfielder Tyler O’Neill, whose solo shot to the lead off the 8th inning marked the fifth consecutive Opening Day that he’s hit a home run (an MLB record).
O’Neill, who was previously tied with Yogi Berra (1955-58), Gary Carter (1977-80), and Todd Hundley (1994-97) with four straight Opening Day home runs, moved into his own category in his Red Sox debut.
Acquired from the Cardinals in the offseason in a trade that sent pitcher Nick Robertson to St. Louis, O’Neill offered his own explanation for the seemingly impossible Opening Day streak.
“It’s got to be something to do with the pregame ceremony,” he told reporters, according to The Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham. “It’s fun. You always want to start the season off with a bang. I’ve been fortunate enough to do it a couple of times in a row now.”
The 28-year-old is a Canadian native from British Columbia, whose parents used to drive him hours to watch games in Seattle. They were among the sellout crowd (along with other family members) on Thursday.
“When I started playing baseball around 10 or 11 years old, my parents would make a trip and bring me and my sister,” O’Neill explained. “It’s three hours from my house. I feel like a hometown kid a little bit in this area.
“What a day,” he added.
Here’s a rundown of all of his Opening Day home runs over the years:
Trivia: Tyler O’Neill holds the record for most consecutive home runs on opening day, but who holds the record for most total opening day home runs in their MLB careers? (It’s three players tied with eight home runs each).
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: All three played for the Reds at some point during their careers. Their initials are AD, FR, KG.
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On this day: In 1981, the Celtics topped the 76ers 98-94 in the regular season finale. The game had actual implications, deciding both home-court advantage in the postseason as well as which team would win the Atlantic Division and get a first-round playoff bye. Beyond that, it was a pre-playoff test of the two Eastern Conference rivals.
In the end, the Celtics survived despite a furious Philadelphia rally in the fourth quarter. Larry Bird helped to lead Boston with 24 points, adding 10 rebounds, seven assists, and six steals. Robert Parish also contributed 24 points along with 13 rebounds.
Daily highlight: Jaylen Brown threw down a highlight-worthy dunk, though the Celtics came up short in overtime.
Trivia answer: Adam Dunn, Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Robinson
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