The New York Yankees are no strangers to legendary players. On Opening Day Thursday, they’ll host one of their most legendary players to help ring in the new baseball year.
Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera will throw out the first pitch in The Bronx, the Yankees announced Thursday. Rivera will be part of pregame festivities at Yankee Stadium on River and 161st.
Our #OpeningDay festivities!
Pregame ceremonies begin tomorrow at 12:30 PM 🙌 pic.twitter.com/MvvVpOj45x
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 29, 2023
Rivera is one of the most revered figures in modern New York Yankees history. His cold-blooded status in October raised his profile exponentially during his heyday. He helped lock down five World Series Championships for the Bronx Bombers and was part of seven AL Pennant-winning clubs.
He is also the only player to ever accrue 100 percent of the vote in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Just as you might expect, reactions poured out from this huge announcement by the Yankees.
“Mo first pitch tomorrow!” The Short Porch exclaimed.
Mo first pitch tomorrow! https://t.co/WHFP2n7bfb
— The Short Porch (@short_porch) March 29, 2023
“If Mo doesn’t throw a cutter from the mound, the season is cursed,” wrote one fan.
If Mo doesn’t throw a cutter from the mound, the season is cursed. #Yankees https://t.co/Og7RNL9Zkf
— Chase D. Troutner (@Captain_Strongo) March 29, 2023
“Whoever the ceremonial batter is is gonna lose a bat,” another fan joked.
Whoever the ceremonial first batter is is gonna lose a bat https://t.co/XQTRqOWLQN pic.twitter.com/zATKx1RjDf
— Jamie Sullivan (@JamieSullivan10) March 29, 2023
Another fan noted that this means “Enter Sandman” will play over the P.A. system. A good thing, indeed.
We boutta hear “Enter Sandman” on Opening Day, it doesn’t get any better than this https://t.co/TpfttJCEku
— roseanne 🌻 (@HoodieFrazier) March 29, 2023
The Yankees will play the San Francisco Giants in their season opener on Thursday to begin the year.
