Well folks, there’s one definite way to indicate that the winter is over and that’s with the opening of baseball season.
And, here in the Derby City that means the Bats who actually begin play very soon; April fifth to be exact when they open their season away against Columbus.
The Bats opener then kicks off about a week later when the Bats meet up with Columbus again at Slugger Field for a four game series.
The team will remain at home for a four game series against Toledo, and play one last series against Indianapolis prior to leaving to continue that series in Indy’s home field.
Promotions during this eleven day opening home stand include “dog day,” local bands, “the kids inflatable fun zone,” fireworks, dollar hot dog night and a collection of other events.
This year’s team could be an interesting one because the Bats have had so many players that were called up to the Reds last year. In response the Bats about mid-way through the year struggled but then seemed to find their footing towards the end with their current roster; as such the current squad could kick the season off with a bang or find trouble in their athlete losses.
Either way, in this humble fan’s opinion there’s something great about the start of baseball season and what it triggers in a seasonal switch.
Most games start up at 7:05 or 6:05, and to me that’s really what it’s about. Spending an evening at the ball park, there’s something special about it. Something so American- something so Kentucky, make no mistake this region loves our basketball and football, but there’s always going to be a soft spot in our collective sports heart for the game of baseball. Be it the bat, the field, the fans, or the hot dogs there’s something about it which seems to mean something to so many of us.
Play Ball!
Image courtesy of Honey.com
