Gerrit Cole sets Yankees Opening Day strikeout record

Tim Leary previously held the record. A journeyman right-hander who pitched for four teams before signing with the Yankees in November 1990, Leary may seem like a surprising choice to get the start on Opening Day. That first season in New York did not go well for Leary, as he posted a 4.11 ERA while leading the league in wild pitches (23) and losses (19). 

Yet, Leary took the ball on Opening Day 1991 at Detroit. He worked six innings against the Tigers, allowing four runs on five hits while striking out nine. Leary earned a no-decision on the day, with Detroit winning the game 6-4. 

He finished the 1991 season with a 4-10 record and 6.49 ERA in 28 appearances (18 starts).

Cole pitched 200.2 innings for New York last season, leading MLB with 257 strikeouts. It marked the second time in the right-hander’s career he’s led the majors in punchouts. Perhaps most importantly, Cole remained healthy all year and topped the 200-inning mark for the first time since signing with the Yankees. 

Cole obviously is no Leary, and the Yankees are a far different team today than they were in 1991. Nonetheless, anytime a franchise record is broken it’s notable.