Today is Opening Day for Major League Baseball. For many, there are no greater two words in the English language than "Play Ball"! Count me as one of them.
Growing up in Illinois and near the Chicago area, I was raised to be a fan of baseball and more me, the Chicago Cubs. I am a Die Hard fan, and always will be. I remember watching the "Windy Day at Wrigley" on May 17, 1979. Final score Phillies 23, Cubs 22. I remember when the lights were turned on for the first time Aug 8 1988. I remember the Division winning team of 1984. and 1989. I remember the Bartman game in 2003. Watch the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary Catching Hell, for more details of that fateful day.
I also remember as a child watching day games on WGN. Hearing the call of Jack Brickhouse, Lou Boudreau, Harry Carry and many of the other legendary broadcasters that have graced the booth at Wrigley. There is not a better ballpark around. And for the record, despite not being a White Sox fan, they had a pretty good ball park too. The old Comiskey Park was a fun place to enjoy a game too, especially in the bullpen areas in right and left field. Disco Demolition night. And the awful uniforms worn by the White Sox in 1976. Shorts? Dear God, they were awful. I remember the Division winning team of 1983, and the WS win of 2005. Baseball has been a part of my life for a long time.
My family used to take a road trip every summer to Milwaukee to see the White Sox play the Brewers at County Stadium. It was an annual tailgate, and many memories were had and many beers, brats, hot dogs, burgers, and sodas were consumed. Good times.
Like many of us, I played little league baseball, and I was an umpire for a while. Not a bad summer job. There is something about a baseball game that you just can't replicate. Yes, the game is slow. For many younger people, it just doesn't hold their interest like it used to. To them I say, sit in the Bleachers at Wrigley sometime. To see the manually operated scoreboard. The camaraderie of the fans. An experience one needs to have at least once in their lives.
When the Cubs finally won the World Series in 2016, after 108 years, in what could arguably be the greatest Game 7 of all time, I cried. I was not alone. It happened. In my lifetime. The Loveable Losers, finally won the WS. 5 million people filled the streets of Chicago for the parade. I still think that number is too low. Baseball will have fans back this year. And to be able to watch it again on TV and maybe catch a live game again and be with fans, it will be welcomed.
James Earl Jones speech in Field of Dreams still gives me chills. It is so honest, and true, and heartwarming. People will come, Ray. And yes they will. Watch the clip attached. And once again we will get to hear two of the greatest words ever....PLAY BALL!
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