to lead off

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.To guide or conduct, as by accompanying, going before, showing, influencing, directing with authority, etc.; to have precedence or pre["e]minence; to be first or chief; -- used in most of the senses of lead, v. t. [1913 Webster]

2.To tend or reach in a certain direction, or to a certain place; as, the path leads to the mill; gambling leads to other vices. [1913 Webster]

The mountain foot that leads towards Mantua.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

To lead off or To lead out, to go first; to begin; as, Mickey Mantle led off in the fifth inning of the game. [1913 Webster +PJC]