Red Sox Opening Day Fun Facts
BOSTON (CBS) – Opening Day is finally here.
The Boston Red Sox kick off the 2012 season Thursday afternoon against the Tigers in Detroit. Here are some interesting Opening Day tidbits about the Sox.
– The Red Sox are 54-56-1 all-time on Opening Day.
– Thursday is the 72nd time the Red Sox have opened on the road, with the team going 31-39-1 in those contests. Boston has opened away from Fenway 14 of the last 17 seasons, going 6-7 in that span.
– Thursday is the seventh time the Red Sox and Tigers have faced each other on Opening Day. The teams are 3-3 in the six previous matchups.
Read: Red Sox-Tigers Preview
– In taking on the Tigers, it’s the fourth straight season the Red Sox open against a division winner.
– Jon Lester is making his second career, and second straight, Opening Day start for Boston. He is just the fourth left-hander to start for the Red Sox on Opening Day in back-to-back seasons.
– In facing Justin Verlander, this marks the third time the Red Sox have faced the reigning Cy Young winner on Opening Day since the awards inception in 1956.
– This will be David Ortiz’ eighth Opening Day with the Red Sox, most of any player on the roster and most all-time by a Red Sox designated hitter.
– Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis have each hit safely in the five Red Sox openers since 2007, going a combined 17-for-37. Pedroia is 8-for-18 with a double, two home runs and four RBI, with Youkilis 9-for-19 with four doubles, a triple, and three RBI.
Read: 2012 Red Sox Predictions
– The last member of the Red Sox to hit in more than five straight Opening Days was Mo Vaughn, who hit in seven straight openers from 1992-98.
– Carl Yastrzemski leads the franchise with six Opening Day home runs.