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Olympic Hockey Stars Throw First Pitch at Yankees Home Opener
Jack Hughes and Aerin Frankel, recent Olympic gold medalists, kick off the Yankees' season at Yankee Stadium.
Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:14am
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The celebratory energy of Olympic hockey stars joining the Yankees' home opener festivities is captured in a vibrant expressionist painting.Oakland TodayTwo members of the US Olympic hockey teams, Jack Hughes and Aerin Frankel, were invited to throw out ceremonial first pitches at the New York Yankees' home opener against the Oakland Athletics. The hockey stars, who both won gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, were greeted with cheers from the crowd as they took the mound at Yankee Stadium.
Why it matters
The Yankees' home opener is a highly anticipated annual event in New York City, and having Olympic heroes from another sport participate in the pre-game festivities helps generate excitement and interest around the start of the baseball season.
The details
Hughes and Frankel, who both won gold medals with the US national hockey teams at the 2026 Winter Olympics, were selected to take the mound and throw out the first pitches ahead of the Yankees-Athletics game.
- The Yankees' home opener took place on April 8, 2026.
The players
Jack Hughes
A US Olympic gold medalist in hockey who was invited to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at the Yankees' home opener.
Aerin Frankel
A US Olympic gold medalist in hockey who was invited to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at the Yankees' home opener.
New York Yankees
The home team playing in the game against the Oakland Athletics.
Oakland Athletics
The visiting team playing against the New York Yankees.
What they’re saying
“It was an honor to be asked to throw out the first pitch at the Yankees' home opener. As a lifelong baseball fan, this was a really special moment for me.”
— Jack Hughes, US Olympic Gold Medalist, Hockey
“The energy and excitement of the Yankees fans is unmatched. I'm glad Aerin and I could be a small part of kicking off the new season in the Bronx.”
— Jack Hughes, US Olympic Gold Medalist, Hockey
The takeaway
The ceremonial first pitches by the Olympic hockey champions at the Yankees' home opener highlight the crossover appeal of elite athletes and the ability of sports to bring communities together around shared excitement and pride.
