MLB Opening Night? What a Buzz Kill.
Mar 29, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Hector Ambriz (62) pitches during the ninth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Now that I’m past my child rearing years, can afford to make some indulgent calls and have a lovely wife who understands and supports those indulgences I can say that I’m stoked for Opening Day. I have been to the market twice in the past two days and am now game ready. I’m taking Opening Day off – otherwise known as Christmas to me – and will be more than pumped up come Boston’s 1:05 pm start against the Yankees in the Bronx.
In stock for Monday’s baseball orgy I have some premium hot dogs, brats, peanuts, beer and – though not quite Cracker Jacks – some Trader Joe’s caramel corn that should fit the bill nicely. I’m 54 but I’m feeling a little more like nine the past few days – minus the beer. It’s supposed to be about 72 degrees in Virginia on Opening Day so the patio doors and windows will likely be open. What could be more perfect? I’ll tell you what; keep your grubby mitts off my Opening Day and quit messing with a great tradition, that’s what.
Major League Baseball has decided in years past that a game in Japan would be a great way to open the MLB season. This year baseball fans will have the Texas Rangers and recent divisionally relocated Houston Astros inflicted upon them on Sunday night. Really? Talk about baseball interruptus.
"Baseball doesn’t need foreplay, an awkward throat-clearing prelude before the season is actually in full throat. Baseball needs to return to a singular cathartic day that is unleashed on fans starved for watching a man attempt to hit a round thing with a round thing in his hands after a long winter of huddling near the hot stove."
In the spirit of truth in advertising why don’t they just change the name of Opening Day to “the meaningless-game-between-a-division-powerhouse-and-new-division-doorrmat-the-night-before-the-day-real-baseball-begins” – ah, night. This isn’t old school vs. young turk or tradition vs. sports broadcasting in the age of the 24-hour news cycle. It’s just bad business that dilutes the product.
Curt Gowdy, Ned Martin and Ken Coleman must be turning over in their graves.
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