Opening Day

Last week I posted on the change of seasons in South Florida. Today we have yet another sign of this, it is Opening Day for the Florida Marlins. At about 4:05 PM this afternoon, under blue skies, 55,000 fans are expected to pack Joe Robbie...I mean Pro Player...I mean Dolphins Stadium to see Josh Beckett toe the rubber and fire a 98 mph fastball to start off the season.

There's something special about baseball's Opening Day, more so than the first day of the season for other sports. Perhaps it is the long-anticipated start of the marathon which is baseball season. Perhaps it is the tradition of skipping school and work to go see baseball under the still soft glow of the April sun. Whatever it is, it is indeed a special day.

Here's to a great season for the Marlins, one that will hopefully lead to another World Series title! Play Ball!!

UPDATE: OK, so Beckett's first pitch was an 88 mph changeup, but the Marlins started the season in resounding fashion by beating the Braves 9-0. Dan Marino threw the ceremonial first pitch and followed up with a football strike to Andre Dawson behind home plate. Pretty much a perfect baseball day if you ask me!