Happy Opening Day...Sort of
Today is my favorite holiday, it's Major League Baseball's Opening Day for most teams. The defending World Series champions, the Boston Red Sox, opened against the Oakland Athletics in Japan earlier in the week. Last night, the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals played an unheard of one-game series to open the new Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. Since the Nationals won with a game-winning home run by Ryan Zimmerman, can they claim a series sweep? Would have been cool if fans brought brooms last night. Just a technicality.Anyway, the Chicago Cubs open at Wrigley Field this afternoon against the Milwaukee Brewers. I mentioned in my hand-written Earth Hour blog that Susan is going to the game today with a group from her office for a team-building exercise. Unfortunately, the forecast isn't looking favorable.
I haven't attended a Cubs home opener since 1997. Does anyone remember the start to that season? Yes, that was the 0-13 start. When the Cubs played their home opener, they were already 0-7. If that wasn't bad enough, the game was so cold. I couldn't wear enough layers, or drink enough hot chocolate. The Florida Marlins won 5-3. On top of that, the white-haired, mopped-top gentleman sitting next to me was a spitting image of the leader from Heaven's Gate.
Last season, we did attend the Texas Rangers' home opener in Arlington, a suburb of Dallas. They beat the Red Sox 2-0. Strange weather there, too. Outside the ballpark was freezing. I remember debating if my sweatshirt was going to be warm enough. Turns out that inside the park was an oven and I walked away with sunburn. Can't explain that feat of science.
My first opening day was back in 1990. Thanks to a pre-season labor dispute between the owners and players' union, the first few games were rescheduled. Due to this, the Cubs and White Sox opened at home on the same day. This was the final opening day at old Comiskey Park, and first home opener at under the lights for the Cubs.
Any opening day memories or traditions?
I went to my first Cubs game ever with Jen Kat, who may be able to help shed some light on when it was. I believe it was their first night game at home of the millennium. I think that means that it would have been May 2nd, 2000, against the Astros (W, 11-1). I'm not totally sure that was the game, but a quick search online makes it look likely. It was a super awesome experience, and it was the closest to a season opener I've been to.
I've been to a few openers, but I actually think I've been to more season closers. Always like going to season closers as you get a free ticket for a game next season.
Hit - Kosuke Fukudome: 3-for-3, 1 HR, 3 RBI
Miss - Jim Thome: 2-for-5, 2 HR, 4 RBI (safely sitting on my bench)
Go Bill!
Go Cubs!
1 for 24 (B.A. .042)
1 Run
1 RBI
Pitching
1 inning
ERA 9.00
Ouch
Maybe the two ole gals one Cub one Sox are eating their peanuts and playing in the outfield in their respective caps.
Glad we are not playing in Minnesota-- getting 15" snow~
Going up to Pinstripes in Northbrook for dinner tonight anyone been there?
Go Go White Sox!
No, I haven't been to Pinstripes. Actually, I haven't been to too many places in Northbrook.
Tonight we're having our "Fire and Ice" party with some friends. It's Indian food and ice cream.
So the lesson that passion and clear, concise writing combined can make your dreams come true (at least in 7th grade) was learned by all (minus two bus and one principal car break downs).
Enjoy your fire and ice for the Final Four, how nice and quite cultural as well!
Keep the posts coming. I look forward to hearing more stories like that.