Hooray, Opening Day!
Way to go, Fish! Yesterday afternoon, 57,405 fans jammed Dolphins Stadium to watch the Florida Marlins hammer the arch rival Atlanta Braves 9-0 in the season-opening game for both baseball clubs. Not since 1997 have the Marlins entered a season with such optimism, because this year's Marlins restocked their roster in order to push for a playoff return.
In 2003, the Marlins squashed the New York Yankees to win the World Series Championship, their second in just 14 years of existence. However, last year's fast start and first place standing quickly faded as the Marlins' young pitching staff became depleted through injury, no solid, season-long middle reliever, and lack of support hitting. It was just as well, however, as 2004 was the year of Red Sox destiny.
I was raised on baseball during a time in my home when we didn't have televised sports and radio was king. I played the sport at several levels and baseball was The Game when my friends and I got together. Rain or shine, Spring, Summer, and Autumn, we played sandlot, Little League, and Teener League. Unfortunately, my central school did not have a baseball team at the time or I would have played there as well.
I still love the sport and attend Florida State League (Minor League), Florida Marlins, and University of Miami games whenever I can get the chance. The stadiums hold magic and open a floodgate of very fond memories. There's something special about a sport where you can talk with the players during warm-ups, smell the stadium grass, hear the crack of the bat, gossip and discuss strategies with my fellow fans, and enjoy a stadium hotdog and a beer.
No matter which team you root for, take yourself out to a ballgame and for goodness sake, bring your wife and children with you. Let your family experience the magic.