Tyler O’Neill continues to make history with his impressive Opening Day streak. The outfielder, now playing for the Baltimore Orioles, smashed a home run on Thursday afternoon, marking his sixth consecutive Opening Day with a homer. This remarkable achievement sets a new MLB record for the longest Opening Day home run streak.
During the Orioles’ game against the Toronto Blue Jays, O’Neill hit a three-run homer in the third inning off pitcher Jose Berrios, giving his team a 5-0 lead. This feat showcases O’Neill’s power and impact on the field.
Having previously played for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox, O’Neill signed a lucrative three-year, $49.5 million deal with Baltimore in the offseason. His streak began in 2020 and has continued with each passing year, including multiple home runs against the Blue Jays.
Reflecting on his record-breaking streak, O’Neill expressed his excitement and enjoyment of the game. He acknowledged the significance of starting the season strong and the thrill of hitting a home run on Opening Day.
“I knew what was going on for sure. … You always want to kick the season off with a bang,” he said. “Fortunately, I’ve been able to do it a [five] times in a row now. Just having a lot of fun out there.”
O’Neill surpassed the previous record holders, Todd Hundley, Gary Carter, and Yogi Berra, who each had four consecutive Opening Day home runs. Hundley last achieved this feat from 1994 to 1997.
With 31 home runs and 61 RBI in the previous season, O’Neill showcased his power at the plate. Despite his individual success, his team fell short of the playoffs, highlighting the importance of team performance in baseball.
As O’Neill continues to extend his record-breaking streak, fans eagerly anticipate each Opening Day to witness his impressive displays of power. With no end in sight to this remarkable achievement, the longevity of O’Neill’s record remains uncertain, adding to the excitement and intrigue of the game.