TAKE ME OUT

The Yankees’ home opener is occasion to reflect on the history of all New York Opening Days. For instance, do you know which position player started the most opening days? Mickey Mantle with 18. (Derek Jeter missed the record in 2001 with a strained thigh muscle.) Who has pitched the most Opening Day innings? Whitey Ford, 53.2. Who has the lowest Opening Day ERA? Trick question: Randy Johnson, 1.38, started only one Opening Day. And let’s pause for a salute to Jorge Posada–this will be the first Opening Day since 1995 that he’s not on the roster. Hope the front office finds a place for him soon. This might be a more significant game than usual for openers as the Yankees are playing the team that is going for the top rung of the American League. The Angels have declared their intentions by signing Albert Pujols and ace pitcher C.J. Wilson. With luck, the rotation will allow C.C. Sabathia on the mound for the Bronx Bombers.

Fri., April 13, 1:05 p.m., 2012