Another Opening Day of Phillies and Rangers
It once was rare that the Phillies would open the season against an American League club. That changed 12 years ago. The most common thread during this span is starting the season in March.
For the fifth time, the Phillies will open outside of the National League on Thursday, March 26.
For the third time, the opponent will be the Texas Rangers of the AL West:
* March 31, 2014. Jimmy Rollins hit a grand slam, the 200th home run of his career in a 14-10 win at Globe Life Park.
* March 30, 2023. Trea Turner marked his Phillies debut with a triple off Texas starter Jacob deGrom. The Rangers won, 11-7, at Globe Life Field.
Opening Day History
Overall, the Phillies are 64-77, including ties in 1923 (14 innings) and 1924 (11 innings). ... There have been 14 extra-inning games (5-7-2); the last in 2021. ... A year ago, a 7-3 win against the Nationals. ... Longest winning streak, six years (1913-18). Eight years is the longest losing streak (1985-92).
March 26 will be the earliest opener for the Phils. Previous? March 27, 2025. Latest opener for a normal season: April 26, 1995.
Opener Nuggets
The most Opening Day starts for a Phillies pitcher: 14, Steve Carlton; 12, Robin Roberts; 6, Chris Short and Aaron Nola (2018-2023).
The longest streak among current Phillies belongs to J.T. Realmuto. Assuming he’ll be behind the plate again, it will be eight in a row. He joins Red Dooin, Darren Daulton and Carlos Ruiz at eight. Mike Lieberthal leads with 10.
Center field is another story, eight different players in the last nine years. The parade: Brandon Marsh (2025), Johan Rojas (2024), Marsh (2023), Matt Vierling (2022), Adam Haseley (2021), Roman Quinn (2020), Odúbel Herrera (2019), Aaron Altherr (2018) and Herrera (2017).
22-year-old Phillies in the Opening Day lineup last 55 years: 2B Freddy Galvis (2012), SS Jimmy Rollins (2001), LF Greg Luzinski (1973). Justin Crawford, also 22, may join them later this month.
Marsh, acquired in an Aug. 2, 2022, trade with the Angels, is the longest-tenured Phillies outfielder. He’s been an Opening Day starter in CF (2023, 2025) and LF (2024).
Home runs by the current group, (2025) Harper, Schwarber; (2024) Marsh; (2023) Bohm; (2022) Schwarber.
Most Opening Day Starts (Since 1901)
C Mike Lieberthal (10)
1B Ryan Howard (10)
2B Chase Utley (8)
SS Jimmy Rollins (14)
3B Mike Schmidt (16)
LF Greg Luzinski (9)
CF Richie Ashburn (10)
RF Johnny Callison (9)
DH Kyle Schwarber (3)
P Steve Carlton (14)
Club Records
Most Home Runs: 5, Mike Schmidt; 3, Scott Rolen & Jimmy Rollins
Most Starts: 14, Steve Carlton
Most Consecutive Starts: 12, Robin Roberts (1950-61)
Most Wins: 5, Robin Roberts
Most Losses: 9, Steve Carlton
Most Shutouts: 3, Chris Short
Most Home Runs, 2
LF Sherry Magee ... April 14, 1914 ... 10-1 win vs. New York Giants at Baker Bowl ... . 6 RBIs.
LF Lefty O’Doul ... April 18, 1929 ... 11-9 loss vs. New York Giants at Baker Bowl ... 4 RBIs.
RF Chuck Klein ... April 14, 1931... 9-5 loss vs. New York Giants at Baker Bowl ... 3 RBIs.
SS Don Money ... April 8, 1969 ... 7-6 loss vs. Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, 11 innings ... 5 RBIs.
Most RBIs, 6
LF Sherry Magee ... April 14, 1914 ... 10-1 win vs. New York Giants at Baker Bowl. (1B, 2 HR)
3B Placido Polanco ...April 5, 2010 ...11-1 win vs. Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. (SF, 1B, grand slam)
Grand Slams
3B Placido Polanco ... April 5, 2010 ... 11-1 win vs. Washington Nationals at Nationals Park.
SS Jimmy Rollins ... March 31, 2014 ... 14-10 win vs. Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park.
1B Rhys Hoskins ... March 28, 2019 ... 10-4 win vs. Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park.
50 Years Ago
Cash, 2B; Bowa, SS; Schmidt, 3B; Luzinski, LF; Allen, 1B; Johnstone, RF; Maddox, CF; Oates, C; Kaat, P. Finished as 1976 NL East champions, setting a club record with 101 wins.