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It doesn't matter the age of the player or the sport. Opening Day is special. "I still get goose bumps,'' says 64-year-old pitcher Doc Parsons, who plays for the Westport Cardinals in the Fairfield County Men's Senior Baseball League for players ages 28-year-old and up.
Saturday was Opening Day for a lot of Little League teams in the area. It means the shoes are a little spiffier, the uniforms whiter, the attitudes more eager. The players' sleep the night before was a little more restless. Parents and players consumed breakfast a little more quickly. They arrived at the game earlier than they would for a regular season game. Baseball is special in the Northeast because players finally get to play outside after a long winter indoors.
It's not as much about the game on Opening Day as it is the show. Kids, especially, can't wait to show off their new uniforms and equipment. "Look Max, new wristbands!", a player might say joyfully, as if he has just found $100 on the sidewalk. Older players like to show off their skills. After a long off-season, they are ready to announce themselves anew with a stronger arm, a quicker bat or faster legs.
Baseball is the most famous sport for celebrating the start of the season, but players feel the same about any sport. The first run from scrimmage, the first ball thrown into a hoop, the first lap around the track, they all feel good. It feels like something new has started. Even if you've done 1,000 times before.
If Opening Day doesn't feel good, it might be a sign the thrill is gone. Time to hang it up and find a new love. If you can't get pumped up for Opening Day, you can't get pumped up.
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