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Best Opening Day starts in Kansas City Royals history

By Leigh Oleszczak

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 04: A detailed view of the ceremonial Opening Day logo home plate used during the pre-game ceremonies prior to the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park on April 4, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Royals 5-4. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 04: A detailed view of the ceremonial Opening Day logo home plate used during the pre-game ceremonies prior to the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park on April 4, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Royals 5-4. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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Gil Meche #55 of the Kansas City Royals (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Gil Meche #55 of the Kansas City Royals (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Kansas City Royals Best Opening Day Starts – No. 7: Gil Meche (2009)

It’s Gil Meche again! Two years after his sensational start on Opening Day, Meche had another Opening Day gem for the boys in blue. Before we dive more into that, let’s tackle where the Royals were at entering the 2009 season.

The team was trending in the right direction, winning six more games than they won in 2008 and looking like they were slowly, but surely rounding the corner. Meche was entering the third year of his massive contract and for the most part, he had performed well enough to merit his contract.

Meche looked to be on his way to another impressive season after what he did on Opening Day in 2009. The $55 million-man threw seven innings and surrendered just one run off of seven hits while striking out six guys. He didn’t walk any batters.

Unfortunately, the Royals lost this one as they did most games in the 2009 season, and Meche’s performance went to waste.

The Royals regressed big time in 2009, winning just 65 games. Meche had a miserable year despite his heroics in the first game of the season, sporting an ugly 5.09 ERA. After an even worse season in 2010, Meche honorably retired, letting the Royals off the hook for the final year of his contract.

What a guy.

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