List of Atlanta Braves Opening Day starting pitchers

Last updated

The Braves played nine Opening Day games at Turner Field, their home stadium from 1997 through 2016. Turner Field 2013.jpg
The Braves played nine Opening Day games at Turner Field, their home stadium from 1997 through 2016.

The Atlanta Braves are a Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise based in Atlanta. They play in the National League East division. They were based in Milwaukee and Boston before moving to Atlanta for the 1966 season. [1] The first game of the new baseball season for a team is played on Opening Day, and being named the Opening Day starter is an honor, which is often given to the player who is expected to lead the pitching staff that season, [2] though there are various strategic reasons why a team's best pitcher might not start on Opening Day. [3] The Atlanta Braves have used 22 different Opening Day starting pitchers in their 57 seasons in Atlanta. The 22 starters have a combined Opening Day record of 15  wins, 23  losses and 19  no decisions. [4] No decisions are only awarded to the starting pitcher if the game is won or lost after the starting pitcher has left the game. [5]

Contents

Hall of Famer Phil Niekro holds the Atlanta Braves' record for most Opening Day starts, with eight. Greg Maddux had seven for the team and Julio Teherán was featured six consecutive times from 2014 to 2019. Rick Mahler had five while Tom Glavine and John Smoltz have each made four Opening Day starts for the Braves. Maddux has the record for most wins in Atlanta Braves Opening Day starts, with five. Mahler has the highest winning percentage in Opening Day starts (1.000), with four wins and no losses with one no decision. All of Mahler's four victories were shutouts, including three in consecutive years (1985 to 1987) by identical scores of 6–0. Niekro has the record for most losses in Atlanta Braves Opening Day starts, with six. [4]

From 1972 through 1980, the Braves lost nine consecutive Opening Day games. In those games, their starting pitchers had a record of no wins, six losses and three no decisions. Niekro had five of the losses during this streak, and Carl Morton had the other. Morton, Gary Gentry and Andy Messersmith had no decisions during the streak. One of the most famous Opening Day games in baseball history occurred during this stretch. That was the game on April 4, 1974, against the Cincinnati Reds at Riverfront Stadium, when Hank Aaron hit his 714th career home run to tie Babe Ruth's all-time record. Carl Morton was Atlanta's starting pitcher for that game, and received a no decision. [4] [6] [7]

Overall, Atlanta Braves Opening Day starting pitchers have a record of 4–5 with four no decisions at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, their original home ball park in Atlanta. They have a 3–3 record with three no decisions at their second home park in Atlanta, Turner Field. At their current home park of Truist Park, originally named SunTrust Park, they have a 0–1 record with one no decision. This gives the Atlanta Braves' Opening Day starting pitchers a combined home record 7–9 with eight no decisions. Their away record is 8–14 with eleven no decisions. The Braves went on to play in the World Series in 1991, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1999 and 2021, winning the 1995 and 2021 iterations. John Smoltz was the Opening Day starting pitcher in 1991, Tom Glavine in 1992 and 1999, Greg Maddux in 1995 and 1996, and Max Fried in 2021. They have a combined Opening Day record of 3–2 in years that the Atlanta Braves played in the World Series. [4]

Key

SeasonEach year is linked to an article about that particular Braves season.
WWin
LLoss
ND (W) No decision by starting pitcher; Braves won game
ND (L)No decision by starting pitcher; Braves lost game
Final
Score		Game score with Braves runs listed first
LocationStadium in italics for home game
Pitcher (#)Number of appearances as Opening Day starter with the Braves
*Advanced to the post-season
**Won National League Championship Series
†Won World Series

Pitchers

Phil Niekro was the Braves' Opening Day starting pitcher eight times, more than any other pitcher Phil Niekro 1982.jpg
Phil Niekro was the Braves' Opening Day starting pitcher eight times, more than any other pitcher
John Smoltz has made four Opening Day starts for the Braves. JohnSmoltz.jpg
John Smoltz has made four Opening Day starts for the Braves.
Tim Hudson was the Braves' 2013 Opening Day starting pitcher. Hudson also started in 2006 and 2008. TimHudson.jpg
Tim Hudson was the Braves' 2013 Opening Day starting pitcher. Hudson also started in 2006 and 2008.
Julio Teheran was the Braves' Opening Day starting pitcher from 2014 to 2019. MG 8433 Julio Teheran.jpg
Julio Teherán was the Braves' Opening Day starting pitcher from 2014 to 2019.
Max Fried Max Fried July 16, 2019 (cropped).jpg
Max Fried
SeasonPitcherDecisionFinal
score		OpponentLocationRef(s)
1966 Tony Cloninger [a] L2–3 Pittsburgh Pirates Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium [8]
1967 Denny Lemaster L1–6 Houston Astros Astrodome [9]
1968 Pat Jarvis L1–2 St. Louis Cardinals Busch Stadium [10]
1969* Pat Jarvis (2)ND (W)5–4 San Francisco Giants Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium [11]
1970 Phil Niekro L3–8 San Diego Padres San Diego Stadium [12]
1971 Phil Niekro (2)ND (W)7–4 Cincinnati Reds Riverfront Stadium [13]
1972 Phil Niekro (3)L5–6 San Diego Padres San Diego Stadium [14]
1973 Gary Gentry ND (L)1–2 Houston Astros Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium [15]
1974 Carl Morton ND (L)6–7 Cincinnati Reds Riverfront Stadium [6] [16]
1975 Phil Niekro (4)L2–6 Houston Astros Astrodome [17]
1976 Carl Morton (2)L2–8 San Diego Padres San Diego Stadium [18]
1977 Andy Messersmith ND (L)2–3 Houston Astros Astrodome [19]
1978 Phil Niekro (5)L4–13 Los Angeles Dodgers Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium [20]
1979 Phil Niekro (6)L1–2 Houston Astros Astrodome [21]
1980 Phil Niekro (7)L0–9 Cincinnati Reds Riverfront Stadium [22]
1981 Tommy Boggs ND (W)5–3 Cincinnati Reds Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium [23]
1982* Rick Mahler W1–0 San Diego Padres Jack Murphy Stadium [24]
1983 Phil Niekro (8)ND (L)4–5 Cincinnati Reds Riverfront Stadium [25]
1984 Len Barker L0–5 Philadelphia Phillies Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium [26]
1985 Rick Mahler (2)W6–0 Philadelphia Phillies Veterans Stadium [27]
1986 Rick Mahler (3)W6–0 Montreal Expos Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium [28]
1987 Rick Mahler (4)W6–0 Philadelphia Phillies Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium [29]
1988 Rick Mahler (5)ND (L)9–10 Chicago Cubs Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium [30]
1989 Zane Smith L10–3 Houston Astros Astrodome [31]
1990 Tom Glavine L0–8 San Francisco Giants Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium [32]
1991** John Smoltz L4–6 Los Angeles Dodgers Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium [33]
1992** Tom Glavine (2)W2–0 Houston Astros Astrodome [34]
1993* Greg Maddux W1–0 Chicago Cubs Wrigley Field [35]
1994 Greg Maddux (2)W4–1 San Diego Padres Jack Murphy Stadium [36]
1995† Greg Maddux (3)W12–5 San Francisco Giants Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium [37]
1996** Greg Maddux (4)W10–8 San Francisco Giants Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium [38]
1997* John Smoltz (2)L1–2 Houston Astros Astrodome [39]
1998* Greg Maddux (5)ND (W)2–1 Milwaukee Brewers Turner Field [40]
1999** Tom Glavine (3)L4–7 Philadelphia Phillies Turner Field [41]
2000* Greg Maddux (6)W2–0 Colorado Rockies Turner Field [42]
2001* John Burkett ND (W)10–4 Cincinnati Reds Cinergy Field [43]
2002* Tom Glavine (4)W7–2 Philadelphia Phillies Turner Field [44]
2003* Greg Maddux (7)L2–10 Montreal Expos Turner Field [45]
2004* Russ Ortiz L2–7 New York Mets Turner Field [46]
2005* John Smoltz (3)L0–9 Florida Marlins Dolphin Stadium [47]
2006 Tim Hudson ND (W)11–10 Los Angeles Dodgers Dodger Stadium [48]
2007 John Smoltz (4)ND (W)5–3 Philadelphia Phillies Citizens Bank Park [49]
2008 Tim Hudson (2)ND (L)2–3 Washington Nationals Nationals Park [50]
2009 Derek Lowe W4–1 Philadelphia Phillies Citizens Bank Park [51]
2010* Derek Lowe (2)W16–5 Chicago Cubs Turner Field [52]
2011 Derek Lowe (3)W2–0 Washington Nationals Nationals Park [53]
2012 Tommy Hanson L0–1 New York Mets Citi Field [54]
2013* Tim Hudson (3)ND (W)7–5 Philadelphia Phillies Turner Field [55]
2014 Julio Teherán L0–2 Milwaukee Brewers Miller Park [56]
2015 Julio Teherán (2)W2–1 Miami Marlins Marlins Park [57]
2016 Julio Teherán (3)ND (L)3–4 Washington Nationals Turner Field [58]
2017 Julio Teherán (4)ND (L)0–6 New York Mets Citi Field [59]
2018* Julio Teherán (5)ND (W)8–5 Philadelphia Phillies SunTrust Park [60]
2019* Julio Teherán (6)L4–10 Philadelphia Phillies Citizens Bank Park [61]
2020* Mike Soroka ND (L)0–1 New York Mets Citi Field [62]
2021† Max Fried ND (L)2–3 Philadelphia Phillies Citizens Bank Park [63]
2022* Max Fried (2)L3–6 Cincinnati Reds Truist Park [64]
2023* Max Fried (3)ND (W)7–2 Washington Nationals Nationals Park [65]
2024 Spencer Strider ND (W)9–3 Philadelphia Phillies Citizens Bank Park [66]

Footnotes

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phil Niekro</span> American baseball player (1939–2020)

Philip Henry Niekro, nicknamed "Knucksie", was an American baseball pitcher who played 24 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays. Niekro is generally regarded as the greatest knuckleball pitcher of all time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Niekro</span> American baseball player (1944–2006)

Joseph Franklin Niekro was an American professional baseball pitcher. During a 22-year baseball career, he pitched from 1967 to 1988 for seven different teams, primarily for the Houston Astros.

The 1987 Atlanta Braves season was the 117th in franchise history and their 22nd in Atlanta. The team introduced new uniforms this season harkening back to the 1950s, which, with a slight change made in 2019, continue to be the team's uniforms to this day, replacing their pullover jersey/beltless pants combo worn since 1980.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charlie Morton (pitcher)</span> American baseball player (born 1983)

Charles Alfred Morton IV is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). The Braves selected Morton in the third round of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft. He has also previously played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, and Tampa Bay Rays. Morton was a World Series champion in 2017 and 2021 and an All-Star in 2018 and 2019. Morton is the active pitcher with the most career batters hit by pitch with 180.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Max Fried</span> American baseball player (born 1994)

Max Dorian Fried is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). Drafted in 2012 by the San Diego Padres in the first round, seventh overall, Fried made his major league debut in 2017. His 17 wins in 2019 were 2nd-most in the National League, and his seven wins in 2020 were again 2nd-most in the NL. Fried pitched 6 shut-out innings in the final game of the 2021 World Series against the Houston Astros, helping lead the Braves to their first World Series title in 26 years. Through 2023, Fried had the best career win–loss percentage of all Braves pitchers, at .705.

References

General

"Atlanta Braves Opening Day Starters and Results". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved April 3, 2021.

Specific
  1. ↑ "The Story of the Braves". Major League Baseball. Archived from the original on 2015-10-30. Retrieved 2009-01-15.
  2. ↑ Bastian, Jordan (March 22, 2010). "Marcum tapped for Jays' Opening Day". MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 5, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2010.
  3. ↑ Dilbeck, Steve (February 24, 2014). "Dodgers may not start Clayton Kershaw in Sydney". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on April 22, 2014. Retrieved February 25, 2014.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Atlanta Braves Opening Day Starters and Results". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-03-26. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
  5. ↑ "Official Rules – The Official Scorer". Major League Baseball. Archived from the original on 2016-01-23. Retrieved 2009-01-04.
  6. 1 2 "Hank Aaron's 714th Home Run". Baseball Almanac. Archived from the original on 2023-04-12. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
  7. ↑ "Braves Timeline". Major League Baseball. Archived from the original on 2007-12-19. Retrieved 2009-01-15.
  8. 1 2 "Braves Opening Day 1966". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-03-18. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
  9. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1967". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2020-07-28. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
  10. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1968". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-02-28. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
  11. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1969". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  12. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1970". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
  13. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1971". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-03-04. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
  14. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1972". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
  15. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1973". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2020-11-08. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
  16. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1974". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-03-04. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
  17. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1975". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2020-08-20. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
  18. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1976". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
  19. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1977". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2020-08-20. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
  20. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1978". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-02-10. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
  21. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1979". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2020-10-08. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
  22. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1980". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-03-04. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
  23. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1981". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
  24. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1982". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  25. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1983". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-03-04. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  26. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1984". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  27. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1985". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  28. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1986". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  29. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1987". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  30. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1988". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-08. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  31. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1989". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2020-06-03. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  32. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1990". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  33. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1991". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-02-10. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  34. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1992". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2020-07-28. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  35. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1993". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-08. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  36. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1994". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  37. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1995". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  38. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1996". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  39. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1997". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2020-07-28. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  40. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1998". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  41. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 1999". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  42. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 2000". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  43. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 2002". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-03-04. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  44. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 2002". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  45. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 2003". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  46. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 2004". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-06. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  47. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 2005". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  48. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 2006". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-02-10. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  49. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 2007". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  50. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 2008". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  51. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 2009". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2021-09-23. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  52. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 2010". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-04. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  53. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 2011". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  54. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 2012". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  55. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 2013". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  56. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 2014". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  57. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 2015". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  58. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 2016". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  59. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 2017". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  60. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 2018". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  61. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 2019". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-06. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
  62. ↑ "Braves Opening Day 2020". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2020-07-25.
  63. ↑ "Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies Box Score, April 1, 2021". Baseball Reference. Archived from the original on April 9, 2023. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
  64. ↑ "Cincinnati Reds at Atlanta Braves Box Score, April 7, 2022". Baseball Reference. Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
  65. ↑ "Atlanta Braves at Washington Nationals Box Score, March 30, 2023". Baseball Reference. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  66. ↑ "Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies Box Score, March 29, 2024". Baseball Reference. Archived from the original on April 4, 2024. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  67. ↑ "Milwaukee Braves Opening Day 1965". Baseball-Reference.com . Archived from the original on 2023-03-04. Retrieved 2009-01-04.

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