Author: Jocelyn Coffin
On April 4, players and fans alike celebrated the start of a new season of America’s past time. Major League Baseball’s opening day was full of old traditions, returning favorites, new stars and a whole lot of excitement. The day consisted of games across the country where various teams showcased their lineup for the upcoming season.
Opening day kicked off with the 100-year-long tradition of the presidential first pitch. At Nationals Park, President Obama pitched a quirky left-handed ball, high and off the plate, to his catcher Ryan Zimmerman of the Washington Nationals. Despite the misdirection, Zimmerman graciously pulled in the ball.
After Obama threw the first pitch, players across the nation tossed their first pitches, hit their first balls and slid into their first bases of the new season. St. Louis Cardinals’ slugger Albert Pujols ferociously slid into homebase, not once, but twice – beginning his season with his second two-homer opener in five years. It was certainly a galvanizing experience for the Cardinals, who took an 11-6 victory against Cincinnati.
The Phillies are also off to an encouraging start, winning 11-1 against the Washington Nationals. Defending its National League championship title, the team is working its way to what could be a first-ever three-time championship win. Despite giving up a run in the first inning, pitcher Roy Halladay quickly recovered, leading his team to its first victory of the season.
Even newcomers are making a big bang as the season debuts. Jason Heyward began not just the season, but also his Major League career, with a first-at-bat three-run homer, sending Turner Field into a frenzy. Heyward shot Carlos Zambrano’s fastball into the bullpen on the third pitch at the Braves season opener against the Cubs.
Heyward is a newbie to keep an eye out for, given that his exceptional performance pulled in a 16-5 win for Atlanta. His teammates certainly seemed happy to have him on the team, joyously covering their hero with celebratory shaving cream after the game.
The performances of former Yankees players Matsui and Damon, however, were something of a letdown. New York fans were likely angry and disappointed to see that both their former stars drove in only two runs for their teams.
The new MLB season has started off with a bang to the delight of fans across the country. With 161 games remaining in the season, there is plenty more excitement to come.
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