Top 5 Opening Day Moments:
It’s finally here folks! In honor of the most prestigious days in sports, here is a list of the top 5 moments in opening day history.
5.) April 15, 1947
A crowd of 25,623 filled Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, many wearing “I’m for Jackie Robinson” buttons, to witness the Major League debut of Robinson. It was a moment bigger than a game, which the Dodgers won, 5-3, against the Boston Braves, with Robinson going 0-for-3 while drawing a walk and scoring a run. It is considered by many to be one of the most significant moments in the civil rights movement of the United States.
4.) April 14, 1910
President William Howard Taft became the first president to throw out the first pitch on Opening Day at the Washington Senators’ game against the Philadelphia A’s. Twelve presidents have continued that tradition. In 1950, Harry S. Truman became the first president to handle the honors by throwing a pitch both left-handed and right-handed. In 1984, Ronald Reagan became the first president to deliver the pitch from the mound.
3.) April 16, 1940
Bob Feller, 21 years old and in his fifth big league season, pitched a 1-0 no-hitter against the White Sox at Comiskey Park for the first of what would be a career-best 27 wins by the Hall of Famer. He walked five and struck out eight. Rollie Hemsley’s two-out triple in the fourth inning drove in Jeff Heath with the game’s only run.
2.)April 4, 1974
In his second at-bat of the season, Braves outfielder Hank Aaron unloaded the 714th home run of his career off Reds starter Jack Billingham at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, equaling Ruth’s record. Four days later, in the Braves’ home opener, Aaron connected off Al Downing of the Dodgers for the record-setting home run.
1.) April 15,th 1923
The 1923 season was special for the Yankees. It ended with the Yanks winning the first of what has become a record 27 World Series championships.
And it began, on April 15, with the grand opening of the original Yankee Stadium. And it was grand, thanks in no small part to the grand man himself, Babe Ruth.
In the moments leading up to the opener, Ruth admitted, “I’d give a year of my life if I could hit a home run on opening day of this great new park.”
In the third inning and in his second plate appearance of the game, Ruth unloaded a three-run shot into the right-field bleachers that proved to be the difference in a 4-1 season-opening victory against the Red Sox.
No Comments »
Filed under: Baseball Games, Major League Baseball, Top 5, Uncategorized| Edit
Tips for attending a ball game
Whether you are a season ticket holder or you have never been to a game, here our my 5 tips for attending any professional baseball game.
1.) Finding Tickets
- Do some research before you spend your hard earned money on tickets. Wait to purchase tickets until you have searched high and low for the best deals. Look far in advance for any promotions, giveaways or ticket deals to take advantage of. Finding out valuable information about the stadium, seats, bathrooms, food, sun position are all key factors to finding the best seat.
2.) Prepare for the game
- Its usually a long day at the ball park, the best thing you can do is prepare for it. Having a good breakfast and staying hydrated can allow the day to move a lot smoother. Remember you are not the only one at the game, there will be long lines for everything! Ontop of the long lines are high concession prices. Having a big meal, and drinking water will help avoid these lines.
3.) Dress appropriately
- When attending a baseball game it is a good idea to keep an eye on the weather. Dressing for the weather will keep you safe, comfortable, and allow you to watch the game in peace. Remember its a baseball game, not a fashion show. Wear comfortable shoes, avoid wearing white, and support your team. Do not be left out, put on your favorite ball clubs colors and cheer them to victory.
4.) Proper Etiquette
- Remember you are at a ball game and there are certain written (& “Unwritten” ) rules you need to follow to please the baseball gods. Yelling is not optional, the ground is the only place to spit, its okay to tell the ump how you really feel, stealing is encouraged, & the seventh inning is for stretching.
5.) Plan for traffic
- As I mentioned earlier you are not going to be the only one at the game. You should plan for a steady amount of traffic after the contest is over. Instead of sitting in line angrily smashing the horn; Use this time to tour the stadium, take pictures, and shop. The lines will be shorter and often you will have a better experience after the game.
No Comments »
Filed under: Baseball Games, Tips | Edit
