Yankees Celebrate Home Opener with Olympic Hockey Stars

USA gold medalists Jack Hughes and Aerin Frankel throw first pitches at Yankee Stadium

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:45am

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An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the dynamic motion and energy of two athletes throwing ceremonial first pitches at a baseball stadium.Olympic hockey champions bring their celebratory energy to the Yankees' home opener festivities.NYC Today

Before the Yankees' home opener against the Marlins, USA Olympic gold medal hockey stars Jack Hughes and Aerin Frankel were invited to throw out ceremonial first pitches at Yankee Stadium. The appearance by the two high-profile athletes added an extra layer of excitement to the Yankees' home debut.

Why it matters

The Yankees' home opener is always a highly anticipated event in New York, and bringing in Olympic heroes like Hughes and Frankel helps generate additional buzz and interest around the game. The cross-promotion between different sports leagues and stars can help grow the fanbase for both hockey and baseball in the region.

The details

Jack Hughes and Aerin Frankel, who both won gold medals with the US Olympic hockey teams, were selected to throw out the ceremonial first pitches before the Yankees took on the Marlins. The appearance by the two high-profile athletes added an extra layer of excitement and star power to the Yankees' home debut.

  • The Yankees' home opener took place on April 4, 2026.

The players

Jack Hughes

A gold medalist with the USA Olympic hockey team.

Aerin Frankel

A gold medalist with the USA Olympic hockey team.

Aaron Judge

A star player for the New York Yankees.

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What they’re saying

“It was an honor to be invited to throw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium. The energy and excitement of the home opener is always electric, and we were thrilled to be a part of it.”

— Jack Hughes, USA Olympic Hockey Gold Medalist

“Anytime you get to represent your country and sport on a big stage like this, it's a special moment. We had a lot of fun being part of the Yankees' home opener festivities.”

— Aerin Frankel, USA Olympic Hockey Gold Medalist

The takeaway

The appearance of Olympic hockey stars Jack Hughes and Aerin Frankel at the Yankees' home opener demonstrates the cross-promotional opportunities between different sports leagues and the ability to generate additional excitement and interest around marquee events.