Nothing like Opening Day
This is my 11th Opening Day, and that’s really hard to believe. I can still remember my first one, in 1999. I was a nervous wreck that day. I still get butterflies on Opening Day, but it’ll be nothing like that first one. I spent most of my pre-game in the restroom. My stomach was driving me crazy. I had been called up in ’98 and played six games, but this was my first Opening Day — and every player remembers that feeling the first time.
Butterlies are normal. I think every player feels a little anxiety on Opening Day. I remember Paul Molitor, who played for 21 seasons, telling me he always got butterflies on Opening Day. You’re anxious to get started, to get it going. You want to get off to a great start. After tha first at-bat, the nerves go away and you just settle in and play the game. Your instincts take over.
That first Opening Day with the Twins, I got a hit, scored a run and got an RBI. We beat Toronto, 6-1. Pat Hentgen was pitching for them. I just remember how great it felt to be on the field with a Major League team. I was leading off and playing center field, 23 years old. I remember the announcer saying, “Leading off and playing center field, No. 48, Torii Hunter.” It’s still fresh in my mind, how that sounded. And how nervous I was.
Opening Day last year was something I wouldn’t wish on anybody. We were back in Minnesota, where I’d grown up as a player and a person, where I learned the game. I was surrounded by all these people I knew and loved, and I was wearing another uniform. It was a very strange experience. There was so much going on emotionally, it was very difficult for me to play that day.
I didn’t have a good day, I remember that. We lost, and I didn’t get a hit. I finally settled down during the series and got some hits, got some things done. We won three games. I was just relieved when it was over. I got standing ovations from the fans, which was great, and they presented me my Gold Glove. But I felt strange the whole time. I wonder if that’s ever happened before, a guy playing all those years in one place and then opening his first season in another uniform in that same stadium where he grew up.
Coming to Angel Stadium for the first time, playing in front of my new home crowd in my new home, that was totally different. I loved everything about that. I had some great moments right off the bat, hitting a walk-off grand slam, making some catches. I remember getting hit in my car on the way to one of the games, too.
I’m really happy with where our team is, the chemistry we have on the field and in the clubhouse. I want to get it going, have a great year. Once I have that first at-bat out of the way, and get rid of the butterflies, it’s on. I can’t wait.
Torii's Storiis 
Mr. Hunter.
Good luck to you today. Its the start of a wonderful thing happening this year. You just grounded out in your first AB, but you got 3 more….go out and do something great. Have fun, and play hard like always.
Good Luck
Scott
Light Up That Halo! Great game today Torii! It’s good that you still get those butterflies, it shows how excited the game makes you!
Being an Angel fan recently transported to MN, I know how you feel. I spent my first home opener in 20 years at the Metrodome tonight, and it felt good – but it wasn’t my Angels!
Can’t wait to see you out here in a few weeks.
Let’s Go Angels!
Congrats on your 11th opening day.
I hope you have 11 more.
http://baseballintheattic.mlblogs.com/
Congrats on your 11th opening day.
I hope you have 11 more.
http://baseballintheattic.mlblogs.com/
Congrats on your 11th opening day.
I hope you have 11 more.
http://baseballintheattic.mlblogs.com/
It was so very exciting to see you and all of the players back on the field. The game was very GOOD!! I waited to see a smile from you and your amazing catch put that right on!!! Good Luck Tonight.
best of luck to the halos this year. I’m a diehard fan from Connecticut, i’ll be cheering you on in my bright red angels jersey in yankee stadium on May 2nd. Hopefully you’ll be singing some autos before or after the game cause id love to meet one of my favorite players. Hope you win another gold glove this year too, take care.
It almost happened to Joe Crede. He’s playing for the Twins now and their second series was against the White Sox in Chicago. They played “All Out Of Love” by Air Supply for his first at bat and he ended up hitting a homerun. Fun times.
It almost happened to Joe Crede. He’s playing for the Twins now and their second series was against the White Sox in Chicago. They played “All Out Of Love” by Air Supply for his first at bat and he ended up hitting a homerun. Fun times.
It almost happened to Joe Crede. He’s playing for the Twins now and their second series was against the White Sox in Chicago. They played “All Out Of Love” by Air Supply for his first at bat and he ended up hitting a homerun. Fun times.
It almost happened to Joe Crede. He’s playing for the Twins now and their second series was against the White Sox in Chicago. They played “All Out Of Love” by Air Supply for his first at bat and he ended up hitting a homerun. Fun times.