Play Ball

Who could ignore the sights, smells, and happenings of Opening Day? Your nose basks in the aroma of freshly cut grass and anticipation of a possible World Series in every dugout. Players and fans alike have anticipated today since David Freese's heroics of October. I remember watching the last 3 outs on October 28, 2011 and the final innings on the preceding night, or rather that morning. As LaRussa celebrated on the field, going out as a winner, it made me realize how special the game is. Last season, I drifted away from my normal stat junkie ways, and explored more of a mental standpoint of the game, but the beauty of an underdog team celebrating such an odds defying victory, made me appreciate our national pastime. This is why, I have counted down the days and have previewed 30 teams- I love this game. Regardless of its transformation into a business that puts a tarp over the field that we love, this is America's sport. So all of you that pick up a glove, walk through the turnstiles, or devote your Sunday nights to Jon Miller and Joe Morgan, you and I are alike. It feels good to be back, and like a previous slogan of the playoffs- i live for this. So when the managers meet at home plate today, remember- there is no going back. When the umpire signals, "Play Ball" we have all entered the grindstone that will inhabit our brains for the next 7 months, we call this baseball.