“An Opener is not like any other game. There’s that little extra excitement, a faster beating of your heart. You know that when you win the first one, you can’t lose ‘em all.” ~ Early Wynn
Opening day is magical. I look forward to it from about 5 minutes after the World Series ends. This year I had to wait an extra week due to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) which dragged on way past what it should have (99-day owner-imposed lock-out), but no negativity today, time to celebrate!
(Borrowed from Facebook Page “Baseball In Pics”. Assuming Public Domain.)
All the teams start with a clean slate. The possibilities are endless. We look forward to our team leading from the first game through the end of the season. We know in our hearts that our favourite player will have yet another fabulous season. We may be cold today but know that just around the bend there will be beautiful sunny afternoons in the stands and pleasant nights as well. We know there will be no-hitters, amazing plays, unbelievable catches, game winning hits and an endless stream of games to enjoy. Everything is possible. Can you image anything better? I know I can’t.
So, what occurred on Opening Day, April 7, 2022? Here’s the outcomes and some highlights.
Red Sox / Yankees
Postponed. Makeup date April 8th.
Brewers 4 / Cubs 5
First official game of the year, since the Red Sox / Yankees were postponed. Watched the game on MSN HD but listened to the game on AM 620 WTMJ. You NEVER pass up the opportunity to listen to 88-year-old Bob Uecker call a game. This is his 52nd year doing the radio broadcast for Milwaukee. Uecker talking about the lack of parking around Wrigley, “Not much tailing gating done here, unless you want to become a hood ornament on a car.” Ueck was the highlight for me. Cub’s shortstop Nico Hoerner hit the first home run of the season.
Mariners / Twins
Postponed. Makeup date April 8th.
Guardians 1 / Royals 3
Bobby Witt, Jr. comes up with the big hit in his fourth at bat, a double to put the Royals ahead. It was his first major league hit and run batted in. Just doesn’t feel right typing “Guardians” yet.
Pirates 0 / Cardinals 9
Albert Pujols is back with the Cardinal and receives a standing ovation from the St. Louis crowd in his first at bat. A true feel-good moment. Per a tweet from Derrick Goold (@dgoold), “Oliver Marmol, about to make his debut as manager at Busch, woke up this morning at 7:20 to a tapping tapping tapping at his window. He went to check, and it was a cardinal. He was not joking.”
Mets 5 / Nationals 1
A rule “augmentation” came into play. When National’s runner Alcides Escobar was apparently picked off first by Met’s catcher James McCann on a failed bunt attempt. The Nats asked for a review and Crew Chief Mark Carlson announced to the crowd after review that the runner was safe.
Reds 6 / Braves 3
Cincinnati Pitcher Tyler Mahle makes a phenomenal catch on a line drive come backer in the bottom of the 3rd. Joey Votto was mic’d up which proved to be entertaining.
Astros 3 / Angels 1
The Astro’s Aex Bergman and Yordan Alvarez hit back-to-back home runs off Angel’s reliever Ryan Tepera in the 8th to make the score at the time 2-0.
Padres 2 / Diamondbacks 4
Seth Beer hits a walk-off 3-run home run for the Diamondbacks for the win.
The first day of the 2022 season is in the books. In the standings we have seven undefeated teams and seven winless teams with a couple postponed due to weather games. More “season openers” to come on Friday. We had some career, season, and game “firsts” along with some great defensive plays. We still have Bob Uecker, which is a gift. A little something for everyone. But mostly, we had baseball again with another 161 or for some teams 162 games to come.
Life is good.
By the way on April 7, 1969, 53 years ago, Bill Singer a relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers is credited with the first official “Save”. Congratulations.
~ Coach Mike
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I love your excitement and total love of the game⚾️🤗. Thank you for the outstanding game day report🙏 I look forward to hearing and learning more🥳
Yesterday was a great day Baseball-the only reason why I bought a 75” tv !!!