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Most Braves opening-day starts by position (Atlanta era)

1B: Freddie Freeman has made seven opening-day starts … and counting. His streak began in 2011. 2B: Glenn Hubbard made eight opening-day starts in 1979 and 1981-87. SS: Rafael Ramirez made six starts at short from 1981-86. SS: Jeff Blauser made six starts at short from 1993-97. 3B: Chipper Jones made 13 starts at the hot corner (1995, 1997-2001, 2005-11). 3B: Chipper's 13 are the most by any player at one position in the Atlanta era. LF: Ralph Garr started four opening-day games in left field (1971-73,
By
March 24, 2018

The Braves open the regular season at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 29 against the Phillies at SunTrust Park.

Among the trivia topics around the subject of opening-day starters is that Chipper Jones holds the record for starts on consecutive opening days, with 15, the first seven and last five at third base, with three in left in between. Dale Murphy is second with 13, at five positions (catcher, first base and all three outfield positions). He never started more than three consecutive opening days at a position.

Also, first baseman Freddie Freeman is scheduled to start for the eighth time at that position, adding to his Atlanta-era record.

For a look at each position and the player or players with the most opening-day starts there since the team moved to Atlanta for the 1966 season, check out the video above.

About the Author

David Wellham has worked as an editor and content producer at the AJC since 2006, but his knowledge of sports in metro Atlanta and Georgia dates to much earlier. He uses his institutional knowledge to help the AJC provide in-depth coverage of area sports and sports teams. David can be reached at 404-526-5424 and dwellham@ajc.com.

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