Opening Day: as American as apple pie
It may be a week later, but last week I got the chance to experience something that not all sports fans can say they have done — I went to a home-opening, season-opening baseball game. The Washington Nationals opened the season at home against the Cincinnati Reds, and there is nothing more stereotypical and American than Opening Day of baseball, but Opening Day of baseball in Washington D.C.?
Get outta here
You look forward to this game for three weeks. Our group had a bit of a parking situation (tip: always take public transit to a sold out ball game…) that caused us to miss the jet plane fly-by and the ceremonial first pitch that inevitably ends up in the dirt, it was still an amazing experience. To make up for missing the first inning the Nats treated us to extra innings and a walk-off wild pitch.
As great as the game itself was all it was made out to be – saw Gio Gonzalez dominate and the Nats move into first place in the NL East – but it is really more than just a game. The experience of Opening Day is something everyone should experience. It is a full stadium, but not only that, the fans that fill it are so full of hope for the upcoming season.
In the case of Nationals fans, a good amount of them have bought into the fact that their great offseason, young up-and-coming players and good health of established players has put them into position to contend for the post season. Even though they don’t have a single season with a winning record, who cares?
It’s opening day and they have the whole season ahead of them, just like every team does.
Your team will go through good times and bad. Players will hit the DL, saves will be blown and managers will be fired, but on Opening Day, that’s all in front of you. As a fan, nothing should be able to bring you down on baseball’s holiest of days.