sportsjabber.net

Opening Day is a reminder of spring. It’s a time to think about newness, and about starting over. These days, it’s hard to not look back on this past year in baseball. It’s hard to forget Bonds, court hearings, and how the sport we love has been dragged through the dirt and mud by players that couldn’t pass on to others the tradition of baseball heritage handed to them.

Baseball has a rich history, and opening day is rich in history, as well.
In 1940 Bob Feller threw a No-Hitter, and it remains the only Opening Day No-Hitter….Ever.

Ted Williams had a .449 average on Opening Days.

On April 4th, 1971, Hank Aaron belted his 714th home run, tying Babe Ruth on the all time homer list.

The longest day in Opening Day History happened in Cleveland, at the old Muny Stadium on April 19, 1960. In that game, the Tigers finally defeated the Tribe in 15 innings, 4-2.

Tom Seaver has pitched the most opening games in history, starting 16 times for the Mets, Reds, and White Sox.

Growing up, Opening Day for me meant summer was approaching, and the school year winding out. It was getting outside again…dusting off the baseball glove, and loosening up the arm. It was exciting.

These days Opening Days consist of parades, Presidential first pitches, and Anthems being sung by the famous. Some are given the day off. Some play hooky from school. (remember that term?)

Are people looking forward to Opening Day, like they use to? Is it possible the players, salaries, and management have tainted what use to be just simply……a new hope as a fan of a team? Have the simple pleasures we used to have, like that first game of the season, left the game?

Or is it truly a new slate?

Are you looking forward to Opening Day? Are you going to watch it on TV? Got tickets? Let us know.