Tyler O’Neill extends record Opening Day home run streak
Tyler O’Neill has done it again.
During his Orioles debut on Thursday, O’Neill, 29, belted a three-run homer, marking his sixth straight homer on Opening Day.
The Canada native’s third-inning blast was a part of a six-roundtripper effort from the Orioles as they took down the Blue Jays, 12-2.
O’Neill’s streak dates back to the 2020 season when he was a member of the Cardinals, where he tied the Opening Day homer record with four consecutive blasts from 2020-23.
The outfielder then officially broke the record last season while playing for the Red Sox, surpassing Todd Hundley (1994-97), Gary Carter (1977-80) and Yogi Berra (1955-58).
O’Neill’s sixth career season-opening blast also places him high on the total career Opening Day home runs leaderboard.
Adam Dunn, Ken Griffey Jr. and Frank Robinson’s eight career Opening Day home runs top the all-time list.
Coming into this year’s season opener, O’Neill said he had the home run streak on his mind.
“Yeah, it’s there. It’s there, for sure,” O’Neill said, according to MLB.com. “Just not trying to make too much of it. Just try to go out, have a good first at-bat, see what the game gives me from there. Obviously, I understand what’s going on, but not like I’m trying to go up there and do anything crazy.
“I mean, it’s fun, right? It’s a good time, and it’s a fun streak, but I don’t really think too much of it anyway,” O’Neill continued. “I already had the record last year, so today was just a little cherry on top.”
Other members of the Orioles expected O’Neill’s homer to come Thursday.
“I guess it’s going to happen. I mean, the odds are pretty good for him to hit a homer on Opening Day,” infielder Jackson Holliday told MLB.com.
Adley Rutschman, who went deep twice in the win, added, “Oh, I mean, I saw it. Everyone kind of knew.”
O’Neill signed a three-year $49.5 million deal with the Orioles in December, marking his third team in three seasons.
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