Major League baseball steps up the plate with an April 1st season opener. Will the Astros, Braves, Marlins, Rangers or Rays be at the October's World Series?
As one of the rites of spring, baseball can resemble a pagan ritual.
Men carry big sticks; people chant and offering a sacrifice, or two, enhance the event.
Like the Ballet Russes’ Rites of Spring; baseball is also pure poetry in motion.
A third baseman gracefully scooping up a line drive, the arc of a centerfielder’s body as he snatches a ball from the skies or a slide for home plate with limbs positioned for maximum gliding.
Whether you love baseball for the above reasons, the cold beer and peanuts or just the sight of cute guys in tight pants; this weekend signifies the end of a long, cold winter wait.
Opening Day for Major League Baseball’s 2007 season is this Sunday. The regular season lasts until late September when playoffs lead to the World Series.
In the SE region we have five teams. Both the American League (AL) and National League (NL) are represented allowing plenty for a diehard or fair weather fan to cheer, or boo, about.
Grab your Cracker Jacks, scorecard and World Series’ hopes. The lineup is waiting!
GEORGIA
From the cries of the tomahawk war chant, you know you are in Atlanta Braves territory. Finishing third in the NL East division in 2006, the Braves are consistent league leaders year after year.
Turner Field is “Home of the Braves”. Be sure to scout out the statues of the past Brave greats like Hank Aaron.
Remember to never order a Pepsi. This is Coca Cola country!
The Braves’ opener is on April 2nd with an away game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Home opener is April 6th against the New York Mets.
FLORIDA
From north and south of the Gulf Coast’s highways and all roads inland – fans pack St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field – home to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. As one of the youngest franchises, in the AL East division, the Rays play powerhouse teams like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Since their debut in 1998, they have yet to finish higher than 4th in regular season play.
The Rays’ opener is on April 2nd with an away game against the Yankees.
Home opener is April 6th against the Toronto Blue Jays
Hope springs eternal in Tampa Bay!
http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com
On the east coast, despite years of threatening flight to another state,the Florida Marlins will play the 2007 season in Miami’s Dolphin Stadium. As a 90’s newcomer into the NL East, the Marlins have won the World Series twice in their young history.
The Marlins opener is on April 2nd with an away game against the Washington Nationals
Home opener is April 6th against the Philadelphia Phillies
http://florida.marlins.mlb.com
TEXAS
In the AL West, the Texas Rangers have been hit and miss – literally. Divisional champs in ’94, ’98 and ’99, the new millennium has seen them slowly climb from 4th to 3rd place for the past three consecutive regular season play. Will the recently renamed Rangers Stadium at Arlington help their playing?
The Rangers opener is on April 2nd with an away game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Home opener at is April 6th against the Boston Red Sox.
It was the Space Age of the 1960’s that renamed the former Houston Colts to the Houston Astros as they began playing in the Astrodome. Time has marched on and so has the AL Central Division Astros. A divisional pennant win in 2005 has fans hoping for World Series action at Minute Maid Stadium every year.
Home opener is April 2nd against the Pittsburgh Pirates
Play ball!
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