Memorable Opening Days, Part 2

Last Monday marked the 100th opening day since the Cubs last won the World Series. There have been some memorable ones, and some not so memorable ones during those years. Last week we highlighted some from the first 50 years of Just One Bad Century.

This week, we'll tackle the last fifty years.

*On April 10, 1962, during the College of Coaches era, the Cubs lost 11-2 on Opening Day to the Houston Colt 45s. That was the first major league baseball game ever played in Houston. The Cubs were swept in the series, and finished behind the expansion Colt 45s in the standings that year.

*On April 17, 1964, the wind must have been blowing out for the home opener. There were eight home runs hit that day, including five by the Cubs (Ron Santo, Lou Brock, Billy Cowen, and two by Billy Williams). The Cubs still lost to the Phillies 10-8.

*In 1968, Opening day was postponed because of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Chicago was in the midst of the worst racial unrest in the city's history; people were literally rioting in the streets. Mayor Daley told police superintendent James B. Conlisk: "That an order be issued to shoot to kill any arsonist or anyone with a Molotov cocktail in his hand, because they're potential murderers, and to shoot to maim or cripple anyone looting."

*On April 8, 1969, the Cubs win the opener on a pinch-hit 2-run walk off home run by Willie Smith. This begins a year long love affair between the Cubs and their fans. (Coming this Friday on Sights & Sounds: The 1969 Cubs sing)

*On April 14, 1970, the Cubs win the home opener against the Phillies, but there are so many fights in the stands, that the Cubs institute new security measures. Among them, installing the screen at the top of the fence--to keep the fans from coming onto the field.

*On April 6, 1973, the Cubs win the opener 3-2 over the Expos in the bottom of the ninth, after the best relief pitcher in baseball, Mike Marshall, walks in two runs. The winning run was scored by Tony LaRussa, in his only game as a Cub.

*In 1974 and 1975, opening day was snowed out. At least in 1974, the Cubs got to watch Henry Aaron break Babe Ruth's record from their snowed-in hotel room in Montreal.

*On Friday April 13th, 1984, the Cubs clobbered rookie sensation Doc Gooden 11-2 in the home opener. (Editor's note: This was the first game I attended as a member of the press. I was the morning man of WPGU radio in Champaign at the time. This is the copy of my press pass from that day. I asked Harry Caray on the field before the game who would win the division, and he predicted the Cubs. Everyone standing nearby laughed at him.)

*On April 4, 1989, in his first game as the Cubs closer, Mitch Williams loaded the bases with no outs, before striking out the side (including Mike Schmidt) to beat the Phillies 5-4.

*On April 7, 1992, Greg Maddux wins his last Opening Day as a Cub, beating the Phillies 4-3. Batting second and playing right field for the Cubs that day was their brand new acquisition, Sammy Sosa. Maddux started the following opening day against the Cubs, beating them 1-0, as a member of the Atlanta Braves.

*On April 4, 1994, Tuffy Rhodes hits 3 home runs against Dwight Gooden on Opening Day. The Cubs still lose the game 12-8. First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton threw out the first pitch that day and sang "Take Me Out To the Ballgame" with Harry Caray.

*On April 1, 1997, the Cubs lost 4-2 to the Marlins on Opening Day. They would go on to lose their next thirteen games too. The first win of the season doesn't come until April 25th.

*On March 29, 2000, the Cubs open the season in Tokyo against the Mets, the first regular season game played outside North America. The game started at 4:00AM in Chicago, and the Cubs won 5-3.

*On March 31, 2003, Corey Patterson drove in seven runs to lead the Cubs to a 15-2 win over the Mets on Opening Day. It is the all-time record for a Cubs player on Opening Day.

*On April 5, 2004, in the first Cubs game after their incredible playoff collapse, Cubs fan Vice President Dick Cheney throws out the first pitch on Opening Day. He was wearing a Cincinnati Reds jacket because the game was in Cincy. Cheney had better luck than the Cubs that season. He was re-elected Vice President, while the Cubs completely collapsed in the last week of the season to miss the playoffs.