MLB: The biggest Opening Day moment you might have missed
The 2022 MLB season is officially underway with seven games played on Thursday. There were some blowouts, some close calls, and some memorable moments.
Let’s take a look at what could be considered the biggest moment from MLB action on Opening Day that you might have missed
Bobby Witt Jr. makes his presence felt for the Kansas City Royals
As the MLB season neared, we discussed how Bobby Witt Jr. was likely the favorite to win the American League Rookie of the Year award. On Thursday, the Royals rookie showed why he is generating so much excitement in Kansas City and around the league.
The first-ever hit off the bat of Witt Jr. with one out in the bottom of the eighth inning led to being the first-ever RBI for the vaunted rookie, helping the Royals to a 3-1 decision over the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium.
While the moment may not ultimately make a difference in the American League Central standings with the Royals and Guardians not expected to fight for a postseason spot this season, Witt Jr. finally delivering in front of the Royals faithful is a welcome sight in Kansas City.
Drafted with the second overall pick in the 2019 MLB draft, Royals fans have been salivating to see Witt Jr. take his place in the Kansas City infield. On Thursday, they not only got to see that dream realized, but they also had the opportunity to chant his name after he came through in the clutch with what proved to be the game-winning hit late in the game.
That sure sounds like a future cornerstone of the Royals franchise, doesn’t it?
Just how special was Thursday’s hit from Witt Jr.? Well, according to MLB.com, that eighth-inning double made Witt Jr. the first player in what is called “the modern era” to have his initial career hit be a go-ahead extra-base hit in the eighth inning or later on Opening Day.
Next. Predicting the 2022 AL Central standings. dark
Sure, it was Game 1 of 162, but it felt like a new day dawning in Kansas City. A memorable and historic debut is certainly worth the top spot on our look back at the first round of Opening Day games from the 2022 campaign.