With respects, and apologies, to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and his epic poem on the ride of Paul Revere, I’d like to borrow Longfellow’s rhythm, and set it to a bunch of rhyming lines to go with it, to describe a celebration what is pretty much a holiday for me, the home opener of Cleveland Baseball.

On that day, which I think should be an annual holiday (which really is for me), whether being designated as such or not, with both of us being retired. Opening Day for Cleveland Baseball happened this year, last Monday, April 8th. After only so much of winter I can take, it was be great to get back to the CLE to watch the game of summer in our layers of clothing, topped off by our winter coats, gloves, and hoods, too cold to try and eat something for not wanting to remove the gloves, and knowing that we will literally be sore later from shivering so much. There are two silver linings of this year’s opening day, though, we were there for the solar eclipse, and we were reminded that summer weather would soon arrive, hopefully around the first of June, maybe. [Actually, it wasn’t that bad this year, as we were invited by my brother-in-law and sister to join them in a suite at Progressive Field (Thanks Dick and Sandy), so that was two silver linings and a gold one too.]

Anyway, here’s my (and feel free to use it as yours too) interpretation of Baseball’s Opening Day, in the rhythm and pace of Mr. Longfellow’s often read poem…

Listen Baseball Fans, and you shall hear, the call of the umpire, and the crowd that will cheer

for today is the day, all horsehide fans crave, the hibernation is over, time to exit our cave.

The field has been painted, the bases are white, to all in attendance, it’s a beautiful sight.

The unis look great on the backdrop of green, at times it’s the best thing that I’ve ever seen.

The smell of the hot dogs filling the air, it’s always exciting, just to be there

The memories it brings of games long ago, with Dad, and my Uncle, and cousins, and bro

It was always a twin bill, the Yankees the foe, on a Sunday am, off to Cleveland we’d go

The scoreboard exploded for a home team home run, just looking around was oh, so much fun

It might have been Cap Day, or we’d get a ball, it was such a great time that was had by us all

Those seeds that dad planted of America’s Pastime, remained in my heart, also in mind

It’s always been the sport nearest my heart, and each year I look forward to when it will start

No matter how cold, not even in snow, we leave very early, ’cause we can’t wait to go

And get to the ballpark, and look all around, and feel the excitement from our heads to the ground

As the time of the game nears to its start, we start to meander to our seats in the park

To watch all the players called out to the line, and the first pitch will follow, it’s almost that time

But the coaches must meet with the umps at the plate, just a few more moments we’ll have to wait

to see all the starters find their special place, and the scoreboard display the first batter’s face

And we wait for the umpire as he readies to say, ’cause the game can’t begin until he shouts out “Play”

And the game will begin, we’ll cheer and cheer more, as for months it’s the day we have so waited for

Because I never get tired of watching baseball, no matter if in spring, or summer, or fall

And the length of the game means nothing to me, I’d stay here ten hours if necessary

I love everything about baseball history, it’s the best sport there is, according to me

And it’s alright if you disagree, it just may not be your cup of tea

But to many who put on a baseball shirt, most of us think it’s the best game on dirt

So put on your cap, wear your team shirt with pride, I hope you all have a great baseball ride.

Welcome back, baseball. We’ve missed you. Thanks for the memories you’ve already given us, and the ones we know you’ll continue to make for us. Please ask the baseball gods not to put a two-hour limit on the game, or create rules like two strikes and you’re out, or four fouls and you’re out, or you’re out if a defensive played throws the ball at you and hits you, or three balls and you walk, or anything else they may be wanting to experiment in the minors for a year, then bring to the Big Show.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” And don’t break something that works and then try to fix it after that. Leave it alone!

Rant over! Enjoy the season, everyone!! “Play!”