On the verge of a much needed break, I am reminded of one distinct difference between this year and last. Around this time a year ago, it was a matter of decision between two possibilities: staying in Madison on one of the best days of the year for a secondhand experience by way of television, or experiencing firsthand the spectacle that is opening day.
One of the best things about the otherwise overdue timing of spring break this year is the chance to take in the first week of Major League Baseball without the hassles of class. So many times I've heard the laments of a late pause from the grind of UW. But the combination of being able to get an early reading of our teams' prospects and no school is something beyond a silver lining.
At the risk of missing whatever critically important lecture information was presented last year on a balmy Monday, I favored Brewers baseball and made the jaunt to Miller Park for opening day. As a veteran game-goer —take it from me—this is the best chance to get close to the team.
Last year, the Brewer fan approaching Miller Park had a chance to salute owner Mark Attanasio, outside giving a radio interview, and General Manager Doug Melvin, who was walking around the concourse not long before the first pitch.
Then there's the fan atmosphere that, in some way, is unrivaled by any other day of the MLB season—even if we are including playoff or their preceding implicational games. In the grand scheme of things, we are talking one game. Still, there's something to be said for watching from the stands a game that even the most remote team fan has his eye on. In a sport featuring a level of parity that's too low, it's a day when all teams are on even ground.
What about opening week as a whole? In these parts, it's a question worthy of mention. Scheduling for two teams who happen to be likely the most popular at UW has them meeting for the second series of the season.
At Miller Park—not Wrigley Field North—next weekend, two rivals will square off in what is guaranteed to be an emotional series. And this Brewers fan is willing to concede that the Cubs profligate spending has somehow turned into an imposing offensive lineup. Pitching, well, that's another matter altogether.
Southsiders? They've got this underrated opportunity as well. The Sox open up with a six-game homestand. Twins? Minnesota has a three-game set at the outset. The next three then take them to U.S. Cellular Field.
Bottom line? It's a day when, regardless of your allegiance, your team's bottom line does not matter. The ambience of opening day is something that can't be matched by any sport in the professional ranks.
My personal plan over this timely Spring Break is to take in the Brewers' first game Monday, after which I will go to Florida, the state where, yes, even a Devil Ray fan's bleak outlook can't overcome a special day's mystique.
To tell Jon about your opening day plans e-mail him at bortin@wisc.edu.
