For many years I have proclaimed that there are no sweeter words in the English language than when journalistic pundits utter “Pitchers and Catchers Report”. If that is the greatest phrase ever spoken, then there is no greater treat for the eyes than opening day in St. Louis.
Now, I know every baseball fan that is loyal to their team will be able to debate this fact through and through replacing everything I say with facts about opening days in their own cities, but I have to say that St. Louis is a class act beyond no other.
I can remember many a opening day sitting in section 507 in the bleachers. I can remember the rush of joy as the players were paraded around the outfield in the Cardinal Red convertibles. The sheer exuberance as the players interacted with the fans, pointing, yelling, tipping their caps, and flashing their smiles. I love how St. Louis parades not just it’s current stars, but it’s hall of famers out for all to see. An opening day in St. Louis is like a red carpet affair in Los Angeles. Everyone who’s anyone is there. Seeing the greats of yesteryear, the greats that walk the field today, and the rookies who seem to be awed by it all is truly a treat.
But, just like those late night infomercials that we all love so much…..That’s not all!
As a Cardinal fan, a St. Louis native, and a fan of the history of baseball, there is no bigger thrill, no goose-bump inducing moment, greater than the wagon gates opening and the Budweiser Clydesdales trotting onto the field. From the days that Auggie used to ride on the front of the wagon to today’s run around the warning track, it is amazing, emotional, and breathtaking all in one.
Much like a Super Bowl is to football, the game becomes an afterthought. The joy of being there for the pregame festivities can sometimes provide a large emotional let down to a game that quickly fades into memory. I can’t tell you the final score of any opening day I’ve ever attended, but I can tell you moment on top of moment that I was there to witness. And the great thing is that it’s not just full of the Bob Gibson’s and Mark McGwire’s. It’s the Ron Gant’s and the Scott Cooper’s that dominate my memory banks. That’s what’s great about baseball when you truly fall in love with it. It’s not just mainstream. There are so many stories that start off with “Do you remember….”.
Monday is, and should be legally, a holiday to most of us. It’s the beginning of something beautiful. It’s where our dreams begin. It allows us to have hope. Our team is in first place after all.
So kick back and enjoy some true “moments” in sports before a pitch is ever thrown. Watch Cardinal baseball as 2009 begins. And enjoy it all, as if you’re seeing it for the first time all over again.
Topics: Cardinal Baseball, Opening Day
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It was a tradition for me to take my sons to opening day.I would take the day off work and they would miss school.The Clydesdales always were the highlight of the ceremonies.I have it on film when Ozzie came out and did his flip the 1st time on opening day.Yes,there is no better place to be in early April than St.louis at opening day,,let the season begin !!