Morning Sports Update

Former Red Sox Tyler O’Neill extended his incredible Opening Day home run record

“I already had the record last year, so today was just a little cherry on top.”

Tyler O'Neill record
Tyler O'Neill celebrates with teammates after hitting three-run home run during the Orioles' season-opener. Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press via AP

By Hayden Bird

3 minutes to read

Tyler O’Neill kept the home run streak going: Though he’s no longer with the Red Sox, fans will still be left to marvel at the continuation of his record-setting Opening Day home run streak.

O’Neill, 29, signed with the Orioles in the offseason after spending the 2024 season in Boston. Yet the common denominator for the Canadian outfielder over the years has been his uncanny ability to hit home runs on the first day of the new season. He did so again on Thursday, extending the streak to a record six consecutive Opening Days.

“Just not trying to make too much of it,” O’Neill said after Baltimore’s 12-2 win on Thursday. “Just try to go out, have a good first at-bat, see what the game gives me from there. Obviously, I understand what’s going on, but not like I’m trying to go up there and do anything crazy.”

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Of course, what he’s accomplished has been absolutely crazy, given that he’s now in a category by himself. O’Neill broke the previous record (four) when he homered for the Red Sox in a 6-4 win over the Mariners in 2024’s first game.

Prior to that, he had been tied with Todd Hundley (1994-97), Gary Carter (1977-80), and Yogi Berra (1955-58) for four straight home runs in season openers.

Now, he’s the only one to achieve such a feat.

“I mean, it’s fun, right? It’s a good time, and it’s a fun streak, but I don’t really think too much of it anyway,” O’Neill explained. “I already had the record last year, so today was just a little cherry on top.”

Trivia: Wilyer Abreu became the first Red Sox player since 2015 to hit multiple home runs on Opening Day in Boston’s win on Thursday. Can you name the two players from 2015 who last accomplished the feat?

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(Answer at the bottom.)

Hint: One was drafted in the 2nd round by the Red Sox in 2004 out of Arizona State. The other won Rookie of the Year with the Marlins 2006.

Scores and schedules:

The Red Sox won the 2025 season-opener in Texas against the Rangers 5-2 on Thursday. The two teams play again tonight at 8:05 p.m.

Saturday will be a busy day for local teams:

  • The Celtics play the Spurs in San Antonio at 8 p.m.
  • The Bruins and Red Wings play in Detroit also at 8 p.m.
  • The Fleet face the Charge in Ottawa at 1 p.m.
  • And the Revolution host the Red Bulls at 2:30 p.m.

More from Boston.com:

Postgame Red Sox: Kristian Campbell handed out some awards at the behest of Alex Cora.

Mikaela Shiffrin closes out the season with a win: The all-time World Cup wins leader notched victory No. 101 in front of U.S. fans at Sun Valley on Thursday.

On this day: In 1973, the Bruins overcame the Rangers 6-3 thanks to Phil Esposito scoring four goals (along with an assist).

1973 Bruins Phil Esposito

Daily highlight: The culmination of a wild end-of-game sequence on Thursday resulted in the Lakers squandering a late lead, and Josh Giddey hitting a half-court buzzer-beater to give the Bulls the win.

Trivia answer: Dustin Pedroia, Hanley Ramirez

Hayden Bird

Sports Staff

Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.

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