MLB Opening Day: Top lineup for each team

Philadelphia Phillies

Catcher: Mike Lieberthal 10
First Base: Ryan Howard 10
Second Base: Chase Utley 8
Third Base: Mike Schmidt 16
Shortstop: Jimmy Rollins 14
Left Field: Greg Luzinski 9
Center Field: Richie Ashburn 10 (11)
Right Field: Johnny Callison 9
Starting Pitcher: Steve Carlton 14

10+ Starts: Schmidt 16, Carlton 14, Rollins 14, Larry Bowa 12, Robin Roberts 12, Ashburn 11, Granny Hamner 10, Howard 10, Willie Jones 10, Lieberthal 10

The Phillies have a long and typically miserable history, which may explain why the last 25 years that have brought 3 World Series appearances and a World Series title also see four of the players listed here. Carlton is tied with Walter Johnson for the most Opening Day starts for one organization.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Catcher: Jason Kendall 9
First Base: Gus Suhr 10
Second Base: Bill Mazeroski 13
Third Base: Pie Traynor 13
Shortstop: Arky Vaughan 9
Left Field: Willie Stargell 11 (17)
Center Field: Max Carey 8 (14)
Right Field: Roberto Clemente 16
Starting Pitcher: Bob Friend 7

10+ Starts: Stargell 17, Clemente 16, Carey 14, Traynor 13, Paul Waner 12, Dave Parker 10, Suhr 10, Lloyd Waner 10

Pittsburgh has an extended and storied history from the Waner brothers and Honus Wagner to Bill Mazeroski and his “shot heard ’round the world” to the “We Are Family” crew to the modern team that has taken the team back to the playoffs recently. All these generations end up represented in the Pirates list.

Next: Rangers/Rays