Lil Red Machine

It’s truly the greatest feeling in the world. There’s something about spring time that offers a promise of hope, and as of this time, every team (expect the Pirates–they are already 8 games back) have something to look forward to. The “experts” have spoken, the predictions have been made, but games aren’t won and lost according to prognostications. Opening day is about opportunity. That’s the message they sell. Some may not buy into it, but I eat it all up.

I don’t do anything on opening day. I will sit and watch baseball from 1 p.m-the wee hours of the morning. It will consume my entire day. I will sit on my couch, pop open a few cold ones, and put on my filthy, sweat crusted Reds hat that goes with me wherever I go. (my girlfriend swears that when I’m not looking, she either gonna a). throw it away, or b). put it through an extensive wash). Me and that hat go way back. It has seen many ballparks, and has gone through numerous conversions to the “rally cap” when the opportunity arises, and has been slammed to the ground in frustration when evil happens (which for the Reds, is usually often). I do have one of the newer hats, the ones that wick away sweat. It’s not the same, though. Gimme the filthiness of an old, wool fitted cap. The type that can spawn new lifeforms. Kinda like this:

Wool all day. And baseball every day. 162 coming up, baby! Go Reds!