Opening Day Is Here at Last!

“Play ball!” Avid baseball fans begin counting the days from the close of the World Series in October until Opening Day when they will hear those two magic words. For over a century, the Opening Day of baseball has been considered the official start of spring by millions. Committed fans may forget anniversaries, birthdays or holidays, but never Opening Day.

Major League Baseball's first officially recognized franchise, the Cincinnati Reds, were historically awarded the privilege of "opening the Openers" and hosted the outings from 1876-1989. Opening Day is often accompanied by fireworks, bands, speeches, parades and more promotions than can be counted. More than an event, the Opening Day of baseball has become an experience.

On April 14, 1910, President, and baseball enthusiast, William Howard Taft became the first sitting President to attend Opening Day. Since then, eleven sitting U.S. presidents have tossed out the season's ceremonial first pitch. One standout, Harry S. Truman, showcased his ambidextrous talent when he threw out balls with both his right and left arm in 1950.

There have been many Opening Day notables during baseball’s first one hundred years. Ted Williams’ holds the record of hitting in every opening game he played. Cleveland pitcher Bob Feller threw an Opening Day no-hitter in 1940, the only Opening Day no-hitter in Major League history. Hammerin' Hank Aaron ignited the crowd at Riverfront Stadium on his first swing of the 1974 season when he hit his 714th career home run to tie Babe Ruth on the all-time list.

One reason I think so many look forward to Opening Day is the message it sends, the message of beginning again. Every team is starting with the same record. The errors and mistakes of past seasons are forgotten, and a spirit of optimism and hope permeates the diamond. Each team believes that this will be their year, their chance to take a pennant and play for the World Championship. In a sense, Opening Day is a picture of the grace of God.

Though we all live with regrets, God, through His amazing grace, is willing to forgive and accept us as His own. We can all begin again, fresh and new through the miracle of the New Birth. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; old things are passed away, all things have become new.” The message of this verse is the message of beginning again. There is a God who loves you and can make all things new. May you experience this place of grace.

Shoulder to Shoulder,

Gregg