Debuts

15 moments

MLB 1947-04-15 100
✦ Jackie Robinson Breaks the Color Barrier

Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play in the major leagues in the modern era, debuting for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Jackie Robinson
MLB 1947-07-05 92
✦ Larry Doby Breaks AL Color Barrier

Larry Doby became the first African American to play in the American League, debuting for the Cleveland Indians.

Larry Doby
NFL 2001-09-23 90
✦ Tom Brady's First Start - Dynasty Begins

After Drew Bledsoe was injured, Tom Brady made his first career start. He would go on to lead the Patriots to Super Bowl XXXVI.

Tom Brady
NBA 1984-10-26 90
✦ Michael Jordan's NBA Debut

Michael Jordan made his NBA debut, scoring 16 points for the Chicago Bulls and beginning the greatest career in basketball history.

Michael Jordan
NBA 2003-10-29 88
✦ LeBron James' NBA Debut

LeBron James made his highly anticipated NBA debut at age 18, scoring 25 points with 6 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 steals.

LeBron James
MLB 2018-03-29 82
✦ Shohei Ohtani's MLB Debut as DH

Shohei Ohtani made his debut as a designated hitter, beginning his unprecedented two-way career in MLB.

Shohei Ohtani
NBA 1969-10-18 82
✦ Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Lew Alcindor) NBA Debut

Lew Alcindor made his NBA debut for the Milwaukee Bucks, beginning a career that would see him become the all-time scoring leader.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
NBA 1996-11-03 82
✦ Kobe Bryant's NBA Debut

An 18-year-old Kobe Bryant made his NBA debut off the bench for the Lakers, beginning a legendary 20-year career.

Kobe Bryant
NHL 2017-06-21 82
✦ Vegas Golden Knights Expansion Draft

The Vegas Golden Knights selected their inaugural roster in the expansion draft, going on to reach the Stanley Cup Finals in their first season.

MLB 2001-04-04 80
✦ Ichiro Suzuki's MLB Debut

Ichiro Suzuki made his major league debut, going on to win both Rookie of the Year and MVP in 2001.

Ichiro Suzuki
NBA 2009-06-25 80
✦ Stephen Curry Drafted 7th Overall

The Golden State Warriors selected Stephen Curry with the 7th pick, a selection that would transform the franchise and the sport.

Stephen Curry
NHL 1981-10-07 80
✦ Wayne Gretzky's First Oilers Season as Phenom

Wayne Gretzky began dazzling the league with his otherworldly playmaking after joining the NHL from the WHA merger.

Wayne Gretzky
NHL 2006-01-18 78
✦ Sidney Crosby's Breakout Rookie Season

Sidney Crosby, the first overall pick in 2005, established himself as the next great player with 102 points in his rookie season.

Sidney Crosby
NFL 2007-09-09 70
✦ Adrian Peterson's NFL Debut

Adrian Peterson burst onto the scene as a rookie, eventually rushing for 1,341 yards and establishing himself as an elite back.

Adrian Peterson
NFL 1994-09-05 65
✦ Dan Marino and Drew Bledsoe Open 1994 Season

The 1994 season featured some of the greatest offensive performances in NFL history, with Marino and others putting up huge numbers.

Dan Marino