Atlanta Braves
Catcher: Del Crandall 10
First Base: Joe Adcock 8
Second Base: Glen Hubbard 8
Third Base: Eddie Mathews 15
Shortstop: Rabbit Maranville 10 (12)
Left Field: Ralph Garr/Ryan Klesko 4 (5)
Center Field: Andruw Jones 10
Right Field: Hank Aaron 16 (20)
Starting Pitcher: Warren Spahn 10
10+ Starts: Aaron 20, Chipper Jones 16, Mathews 15, Dale Murphy 13, Maranville 12, A.Jones 10, Spahn 10
Interestingly, multiple Hall of Fame (or nearly so) players don’t make this list simply because they fall short. Chipper Jones has 16 total MLB Opening Day starts for the Braves, but he only had 13 at third base, with three coming in left field, meaning he was behind Mathews. Dale Murphy started in multiple positions, meaning his 13 starts were spread such that he didn’t lead any position. This season, Freddie Freeman will tie Adcock for the most first base starts on Opening Day. He will turn 29 in September and is under contract through 2021, so he has the chance to be on the top of this list.
Milwaukee Brewers
Catcher: B.J. Surhoff 5 (6)
First Base: Cecil Cooper 9
Second Base: Jim Gantner 11
Third Base: Don Money 7 (9)
Shortstop: Robin Yount 10 (19)
Left Field: Ryan Bruan 8 (10)
Center Field: Carlos Gomez 6
Right Field: Sixto Lezcano 5 (6)
Designated Hitter: Paul Molitor 4 (12)
Starting Pitcher: Ben Sheets 6
10+ Starts: Young 19, Molitor 12, Gantner 11, Braun 10
Interestingly, Molitor was tied for the top DH for multiple organizations (Blue Jays, Twins) as well, but was beaten out because other players he was tied with had MLB Opening Day starts at other positions. With the Brewers, Molitor played all over the field, getting his 12 Opening Day starts at 5 positions (2B, 3B, SS, CF, DH). Yount led the team’s Opening Day starts at both shortstop and center field, but he had more at shortstop, so that is the position he was considered for here.
Next: Cardinals/Cubs