MARCH 31, 1996 — For the first time in MLB history, Opening Day would be played prior to April 1st and the location would be Seattle's Kingdome. The Mariners' Randy Johnson got the nod as the Opening Day starter and carved up the visiting White Sox lineup – striking out 14 over seven innings of work. A 12th-inning single by Alex Rodriguez gave Seattle the 3-2, walk-off victory.