Opening Day

Today, Americans all across the land are full of hope and optimism. Today, millions of people, big and small, short and tall, of all colors, sex, religious and political beliefs will be united in their thinking and wishing for same thing. Yes, today is Opening Day for baseball (the season actually started Sunday night but the Giants, my Giants, start today...and thats all that matters) and fans across the globe all think that their team will win the World Series in October.

Many have waited through a cold winter for today to come. Spring is here and with it, the smell of fresh cut grass and hot dogs is in the air. The roar of the crowd, the boos directed toward the opposing team (and umpires) and the distinct cry of the peanut vendor will be heard today by the hoards of fans who were insightful enough to ask for the day off of work weeks ago or resourceful enough to come up with a good ailment to use to call in sick.

Among the crowds will be Opening Day virgins, experiencing the spectacle firsthand for the very first time and veterans alike, who have witnessed more than one Opening Day but still look forward to the next one like a kid waiting for his turn to ride the slide at ATT Park.
Kids, of all ages, will fall in love with baseball today for the first time or the 100th time. Today, every team is in first place, and every fan thinks that their team will still be there 162 games later.

People will come together, united, toward a single cause. Today, more than most days, many of us are more alike than we will ever realize or admit. Today, a game unites a lot of us. America's past time. Baseball.

Go Giants.

Play Ball!