Hundreds of fans gathered at Guaranteed Rate Field Thursday and expressed mixed feelings as the Chicago White Sox prepared to open their season against the Detroit Tigers.
“It’s really an emotional thing, if I’m being honest,” said Bryan Dolan outside the Bridgeport ballpark.
Dolan says Opening Day is bigger than baseball for him. His family has celebrated the special day together for generations.
“I’ve been to a few Opening Days with my grandpa,” Dolan explains. “His favorite quote was, ‘It’s never easy being a Sox fan.’”
Dolan says watching the White Sox is a family tradition. Other fans shared the same sentiment.
“It means a lot because growing up, my dad used to take me to the games,” said Robert Ruddy.
Ruddy now takes his son to Opening Day.
“He passed away a few years ago,” he said of his father, “but it’s still a big family thing in my eyes.”
Robert Ruddy and his son, Connor, said the team might be disappointing, but being together to watch the games is what matters most.
“Going into the season, I’m angry at them, but being here, it just melts away,” Connor Ruddy said.