History of Cincinnati Reds Opening Day Starters

Thanks to Johnny Cueto, the Reds have had a true ace ready to go on Opening Day since 2012.  It's nice to get the season off to a good start.

Before Cueto (and Harang, who was at least respectable) Cincinnati fans have endured some atrocious Opening Day starters, most notably from 2002 through 2005:

2002 - Joey Hamilton
2003 - Jimmy Haynes
2004 - Cory Lidle
2005 - Paul Wilson

An unbelievable list, isn't it?

The most Opening Day starts by Cincinnati pitchers:
1) Mario Soto - 6 (1982-86, 1988)
2) Aaron Harang - 5 (2006-10)
2) Pete Donohue - 5 (1923-27)
4) Johnny Cueto - 4 (2012-15)
4) Jose Rijo - 4 (1992-95)
4) Bucky Walters - 4 (1939, 1942, 1945-46)
7) Tom Seaver, Tom Browning, Gary Nolan, Jim O'Toole, Ewell Blackwell, Paul Derringer, Si Johnson all had the honor 3 times

Mario Soto also has the most Opening Day wins (4) and sadly, no other starter has more than 2.  Dolf Luque recorded 2 as a starter and 1 in relief.

Aaron Harang has the most Opening Day losses (4).  Jose Rijo and Bucky Walters both had 3.

The best Cincinnati Opening Day starting pitching performances (in chronological order):
1925 Pete Donohue - 9 IP, 0 R
1928 Dolf Luque - 9 IP, 1 R
1940 Paul Derringer - 9 IP, 1 R
1943 Johnny Vander Meer - 11 IP, 0 R
1959 Bob Purkey - 9 IP, 1 R
1961 Jim O'Toole - 9 IP, 1 R
1963 Jim O'Toole - 9 IP, 1 R
1970 Jim Merritt - 9 IP, 1 R
1975 Don Gullett - 9.2 IP, 1 R (no decision)
1980 Frank Pastore - 9 IP, 0 R
1984 Mario Soto - 9 IP, 1 R
1993 Jose Rijo - 8 IP, 0 R

And now Cueto, who has gone 7 innings in each of his four starts:
2012 - 7 IP, 0 R, 3 H, WIN vs. Marlins
2013 - 7 IP, 1 R, 3 H, ND (Reds lost to Angels in extras)
2014 - 7 IP, 1 R, 3 H, LOSS vs. Cardinals (Wainwright)
2015 - 7 IP, 0 R, 4 H, ND (Reds won vs. Pittsburgh)