Like many things over the past year or so, you won’t look the same today.
It’s usually one of the few, if not the only day of the season that we can count on that beautiful ballpark on the North Side to be full.
But it will have some people.
And some, as we know from last summer, is better than none.
Over the years, you and I have become great friends, home opener.
We had an awesome run of about 10 years there where you were my golden ticket out of the classroom.
Whether I got that early dismissal or I just flat out played hooky.
You were that exciting excuse.
Some years I’d be layering up for ya. I remember one year sitting in the left field bleachers with the Loonies as the snowflakes fell.
And so did the Buccos that day thanks to Albert Pujols (again).
Other years I’d be gladly baking in the sun, often times for the first time that year and often times having my still winter skin look like a lobster when I got home.
Some years were spent with friends, other years with family, sometimes both.
Those are just some of my memories of home openers. I’m sure you have yours, too.
But if you’re like me you’d agree, few things are better than being part of that group to walk into PNC Park for the first time that season.
Smelling the overpriced yet iconic and delicious food. Hearing the vendors shout out for their definitely overpriced beer.
Who knows if we’re even going to have those same experiences this year. I still don’t quite know what that’s gonna look like and feel like.
The familiar beeps of fans taking cash out of the PNC Bank machines have been replaced by reverse ATMs I guess.
But hearing that distinctive PNC Park organ again. The crack of the bat. The Pierogi Race (I ride or die with Cheese Chester). In recent years watching some poor soul try not to fall on their face out in right field playing the Mario game along the wall.
And just sitting there with nowhere to be. Nowhere to go. Nothing to do but enjoy the atmosphere and watch some baseball.
And that skyline, too.
Growing up when I did, I gotta be honest, there were many years where things were ugly.
You’ve been about hope springing forth, home opener.
You’ve also been, 'oh my gosh, this might be worse than we thought.' Looks like we're headed for another round of the latter.
But regardless of the actual play, you home opener, have never been solely about that.
You’re an American tradition. A representation of freedom and pastime.
So to those lucky enough to experience you today, enjoy it and embrace it. And don't forget the sunscreen.
Here’s to you, home opener.
And it’s good to see you back in April where you belong, my friend.