Yadier Molina would move up historic lists by starting Opening Day
After two offseason surgeries to repair a torn left thumb ligament, St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina told Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch this week that his near-term goal is to start on Opening Day.
There's a lot of history at stake in that endeavor.
Consider:
● Molina has been the Cardinals' Opening Day catcher in each of the past 11 seasons. That's tied with David Wright (third base, New York Mets) for the majors' longest active streak at one position for a single team, according to STATS LLC.
● The Cardinals' last Opening Day catcher before Molina began his run in 2005? Mike Matheny, now the St. Louis manager.
● If Molina is healthy enough to start April 3 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, he will have sole possession of the third-longest streak at the position -- with a single team -- in major-league history. Bill Dickey (15, Yankees) and Ray Schalk (14, White Sox) lead the list, per STATS LLC. Molina is in a four-way tie with Jorge Posada (Yankees), Ivan Rodriguez (Rangers), and Jim Hegan (Indians).
