Opening Day

April 6, 2009, (yesterday) marked the day that "real" baseball started and as usual there was a mixed bag of everything.

There was a snow-out, cold, rain, empty seats, errors, strikeouts, poor individual performances and teams that have disappointed their fans already BUT . . . there was also a lead off first inning homerun, many pitching gems, shadows (from the sun) creeping onto fields, a first-at-bat HR and plenty of teams that have showed early (albeit one game) promise.

While weather always is an issue for the midwest and northeast, April games usually provide a good look into what we have in store for many months to come. Playoff contending teams can not win the pennant in April, nor can a struggling team count themselves out too early. The season is long for a reason . . .for all of us to enjoy our favorite team or player and "fantasize" and dream of games in October that matter.

For me . . . the Cubs won ! I am happy ! I will be very happy if they are the last team to lose a game (just for kicks, who do you think will go undefeated the longest ?), stay in first place throughout the year, win 100 + games and break all of the "curses" of 101 years.

But today is another day, as tomorrow and the next will bring . . . daily wins or losses create hope that the season continues again for another day . . . win or lose "real" baseball is here . . . for six more months !

On a different yet equally upbeat note; yesterday also brought the mailman to my home . . . a most generous 400 count box of cards straight from my "want" list and a few surprises all from Dodger Jim gcrl who lives in Minnesota. It may take me a few posts to share all that Jim has sent so please stay tuned.

Thanks to the Cubs and to Jim . . . Opening Day 2009 was a double winner !