It Could Be Worse

Think Carl Pavano is an odd pick to get the pill for Opening Day in the Bronx - given his recent track-record?

Try thinking back to 1991.

The Yankees first game of the season in ‘91 was played on April 8, 1991. The Yankees starter for Game 1 of 1991? Tim Leary.

Yeah, Tim Leary who was coming off a 1990 season in New York where his record was 9-19 with an ERA of 4.11. (The AL average ERA that season was 3.92.)

But, there’s more!

In the season opener for 1990, Dave LaPoint pitched Game 1 for the Yankees that season - on April 12, 1990, Yes, Dave LaPoint - who, for the Yanks, had a record of 6-9 in 1989 with an ERA of 5.62 (compared to the A.L. average of 3.89).

So, sure, having Carl Pavano pitch the first game of your season in 2007 doesn’t sound all that great - but, it’s still better than the days of Dave LaPoint and Tim Leary.

March 30, 2007 | Filed Under Yankees History