My view from the stands on Opening Day

I love baseball, everything about it. Even when it’s played in bad weather. Even the annoying folks that seem to always find a seat next to mine. Here’s what I’m talking about, I’m sure some people like this have sat next to you before.

My vantage point: top row (yes, the VERY top), halfway between home and first.

To my left: a teenage girl who proclaimed while putting on her rain poncho, although we were under the overhang, that this was “the worst day ever.” She texted the entire game.

To my right: a forty-something couple, who seemed to show up just to be seen halfway through the first inning. They packed up their stuff and left by the end of the third. They didn’t say a word to me or each other.

In front of me: This is great. Such a typical bandwagon fan. I wish I could convey the character as good as Diamond Hoggers. Here it is. Guy wearing a backwards Cubs hat and matching Chicago Cubs hooded sweatshirt (yes, the newest model - fresh out of MLB.com). The guy stands clapping throughout the entire introduction of the Mets starting lineup. Remember, the Reds aren’t playing the Cubs. Every time Johan Santana took the mound at the bottom of an inning, the Cubs/Mets fan shouted, “Here we go Johan, no hitter baby!” When Santana came up to bat, the fan encouraged him with, “Here we go Johan, home run baby!”

Happy New Year! The season has begun!

Preparing for my Opening Day pilgrimage bad weather or not

I'm preparing for my Opening Day pilgrimage to Cincinnati. The weather doesn't look particularly grand but I'm not going to complain about it. I'm in the same boat as Taylor over at Crosley Field Terrace - I don't want the baseball season to start later or only in warm weather cities. Baseball has operated this way for over 100 years... I like it just the way it is. The game shouldn't cater to the whiners or to the casual fans.