BC’s Tyler O'Neill makes MLB history on opening day

For the first time in the history of Major League Baseball, a player has hit a home run on five consecutive opening days – and they call BC home.

Born in Burnaby and a graduate of Garibaldi Secondary in Maple Ridge, Tyler O'Neill cemented his name into baseball history after hitting a home run for the Boston Red Sox yesterday.

Pictured here: #OpeningDay history! pic.twitter.com/t9SopiBOTR

— Red Sox (@RedSox) March 29, 2024

Before Thursday, O'Neill had hit a home run in the first game of the season for four consecutive years, tying the record with Todd Hundley (1994-97), Gary Carter (1977-80) and Yogi Berra (1955-58).

The Canadian, in his first game with the Red Sox, hit the home run in the top of the eighth inning to give Boston a 6-4 lead against the Seattle Mariners.

To make the evening extra special, O'Neill had numerous family members in attendance with the game being played in Seattle.

Tyler O'Neill loves Opening Day! pic.twitter.com/5zAyDbb5JT

— Red Sox (@RedSox) March 29, 2024

The outfielder was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 2013 before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he made his debut in 2018.

O'Neill’s best season to date was in 2021. That year, he appeared in 138 games and hit 34 home runs, finishing the season eighth in National League MVP voting.

The two-time Gold Glove winner has since struggled with injuries and will look to stay healthy this season with the Red Sox.

_{With files from MLB.com}