Opening Day is always a cause for celebration, but heading into 2000, the Yankees had more reasons than most to be euphoric. Entering the new millennium, the Bronx Bombers were flying high, fresh off winning consecutive World Series titles and three of the last four.
As they aimed for a remarkable three-peat, their roster saw some tweaks but largely retained the core that had brought so much success. Pulling off a back-to-back-to-back championship would make them the first team since the 1972-74 Oakland Athletics to clinch such a feat.
While we all know the Yankees' 2000 season ended joyously, the journey was filled with intriguing twists and turns. Today, let's travel back in time to Opening Day 2000 and relive how it all began.
April 3: Yankees 3, Angels 2
The Yankees' quest for a third consecutive championship began with notable adjustments to their lineup, though no true superstar from the previous efforts left the ranks. Joe Girardi and Luis Sojo exited through free agency, but a familiar face in Sojo would make a return later on.
Through trades, Chad Curtis and Hideki Irabu departed, with the latter's trade landing the Yankees promising pitchers Jake Westbrook and Ted Lilly. Chili Davis was also released, opting for retirement soon after.
Another change impacted the Yankees' lineup, albeit not entirely by choice. Darryl Strawberry, who shone in the 1999 season, faced suspension for the entirety of 2000 due to cocaine possession charges. This marked his third violation of MLB's substance policies, overshadowing his impressive prior performance and effectively bringing his career to a close amid ongoing legal and health struggles.
Despite these changes, the Yankees' lineup was still reminiscent of their past dominant squads, save for a strategic shift on the mound. Joe Torre gave the Opening Day start to Orlando "El Duque" Hernández, choosing him over seasoned veterans like Roger Clemens, David Cone, and Andy Pettitte. It was a significant statement of trust, considering Hernández’s impressive debut impact the previous two seasons.
The season opener at Anaheim against the Angels didn’t start quite as planned for the Yankees. Tim Salmon quickly put the Angels ahead in the second inning with a homer off El Duque, showcasing his knack for clutch hitting.
On the Angels' side, Ken Hill took the mound for Opening Day, managing to dance around early threats by the Yankees. The Bombers put runners on base in the first, second, fourth, and fifth innings but failed to capitalize – until Derek Jeter's lead-off single in the sixth inning broke the spell. Paul O'Neill followed by crushing a pitch to center field, launching the Yankees into a lead for the first time in both the game and season.
Although further opportunities surfaced in the sixth, which ultimately went uncapitalized, Shane Spencer ensured the Yankees kept their momentum. His solo shot in the seventh padded their lead and demonstrated New York’s batting depth.
Meanwhile, Hernández shook off his initial hiccup and delivered seven solid innings, handing the baton to Jeff Nelson, who skillfully navigated the eighth.
As the game reached its climax, Mariano Rivera – the Yankees’ ace closer – entered the scene. What started smoothly became tense: Rivera surrendered a single to Gary DiSarcina and a walk to Darin Erstad, who was primed for a stunning season.
With the tying run in scoring position, it came down to Mo Vaughn, known for his clutch performances. Vaughn singled, cutting the lead but Mariano, showcasing his vintage form, coaxed a fly ball out of Tim Salmon to seal the victory.
If superstitions held sway, Yankees fans might have been uneasy, given their Opening Day losses marked their past two championship seasons. But with a victory to jumpstart the 2000 campaign, the Yankees began their season on a familiar high note, ready to write another chapter in their legendary saga.
