Introduction to a Historic Moment
The Yankees’ offense got off to a quick start in their 2025 Opening Day game against the Milwaukee Brewers, with leadoff batter Austin Wells hitting a solo home run to start the bottom of the first inning. Wells’ 348-yard dinger to right-center field landed in the front row.
Wells, that was fast!
The Significance of the Home Run
Not only did the home run from Wells — who became the first catcher to bat leadoff in a regular season game for the Yankees — give the team an early lead, it was a historic round-tripper in multiple ways, too, for the franchise and all of baseball. Wells became the first catcher ever to hit a leadoff home run on Opening Day. That’s nearly 150 years of Major League Baseball history.
A Historic Feat for the Yankees
He was also the first player in Yankee history with a leadoff home run on Opening Day, ESPN stated during its broadcast, a stat that is almost hard to imagine given all the Hall of Fame players who have donned the pinstripes. Not Derek Jeter, not Rickey Henderson, not Phil Rizzuto — just Wells.
Well(s) that was quick 💥
The first #OpeningDay home run comes off the bat of Austin Wells 💪 pic.twitter.com/0HZ3tGk6cj— MLB (@MLB) March 27, 2025
Austin Wells made #OpeningDay history! pic.twitter.com/q2kxLfFm6E— MLB (@MLB) March 27, 2025
Additional Noteworthy Facts
Also of note: Wells’ home run would have left the yard in exactly one of 30 MLB ballparks, according to Statcast. That would be Yankee Stadium. Teammate Anthony Volpe went yard the following inning to give the Bombers a 2-0 lead.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Austin Wells’ leadoff home run on Opening Day was a historic moment for both the Yankees and Major League Baseball. It marked the first time a catcher had hit a leadoff home run on Opening Day and the first time a Yankee had achieved this feat. This impressive start to the season sets a high bar for Wells and the Yankees, and fans will be eager to see what the rest of the season holds.
FAQs
- Q: Who hit the leadoff home run on the Yankees’ 2025 Opening Day?
A: Austin Wells hit the leadoff home run. - Q: What was significant about Austin Wells’ home run?
A: It was the first leadoff home run on Opening Day by a catcher in MLB history and the first by a Yankee. - Q: How far did Austin Wells’ home run travel?
A: The home run traveled 348 yards to right-center field. - Q: Did any other Yankees player hit a home run that game?
A: Yes, teammate Anthony Volpe hit a home run the following inning.
