 They previously competed in the Double-A Southern League (1978–1984) and the Triple-A American Association (1985–1997).The first game of the new baseball season for a team is played on Opening Day, and being named the Opening Day starting pitcher is an honor which is given to the player who is expected to lead the pitching staff that season, though there are various strategic reasons why a team's best pitcher might not start on Opening Day.The Sounds have used 39 different Opening Day starters in their 43 seasons.