When Austin Wells makes history, well, he really doubles down and makes history. .
In his very first plate appearance of the 2025 season, Wells launched a leadoff home run to right field. Not only did he become the first catcher to lead off for the Yankees in their 123-year history, but he also became the first player in the franchise’s history to hit a leadoff home run on Opening Day.
Let that sink in for a moment. Not Derek Jeter. Not Rickey Henderson. Not any other legendary name in the Yankees’ history books had hit a lead-off home run in 123 years.
New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells.
© Brad Penner-Imagn Images
And, he became the first catcher in MLB history to hit a lead-off home run on Opening Day.
Wells was already having a pretty big day with his first Opening Day start in the big leagues.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone raised eyebrows when he slotted Wells into the leadoff spot this spring. The Yankees manager said all along he planned to use Wells as a leadoff hitter in the season. The decision was based on Wells’ strong spring and Boone’s trust in his ability to grind out at-bats against right-handers.
And just to put a little more juice behind the Yankees’ start, Anthony Volpe—Wells’ close friend —followed it up with a solo shot of his own in the second inning.
It was the feel-good start the Yankees needed. After a spring full of injuries, they began 2025 without ace Gerrit Cole, who will miss the year after Tommy John surgery, and slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who is on the injured list with tendinitis in both his elbows.
It was reassuring to see the younger Yankees stars step up in a big spot.
