The game had been iffy from the start. (Indeed, one must question whether players can really perform at their best in 40 degree weather - whether at the end of March, or the beginning of November. One has to be able to feel the ball to hold it,let alone throw it.) Be that as it may, the downpours had given way to mere drizzle, and OPENING DAY proceeded as scheduled.
Now I confess to a certain amount of excitement when baseball season opens, for I grew up in Manhattan, and during the era of Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris -- and their home run battles.
The Nats are not exactly at that caliber...yet...but hope springs eternal!
I had never been to opening day ceremonies before, but we arrived in time to see the Nats' lineup
stand awaiting the arrival of the color guard. There is something a bit moving about seeing these
men take the field -- on an opening day -- just like the younger boys they once were -- hoping for a new start, a better season, hats off for something higher (than their astronomical salaries....).
Behind that lineup were the 5 armed forces generals who were to throw the opening pitches -- President Obama seems to show up only if the White Sox are in town! <LOL>
There was, however, another starting lineup - as impressive - and they stole the opening moments.
When I was younger, my grandfather used to fly a huge flag between two trees, this flag was so old that it only had 48 stars...and as children, we loved running under it and hiding behind it! I have to say that seeing a huge flag unfurled like this - in person- is incredibly powerful. TV cannot begin to capture just how large these field flags are!
The players took the field and The Atlanta Braves capitalized on an early lead. We had men on base but just could not seem to get enough batting power to get them home. (sigh).
If the Nats got off to a sluggish start, alas, so did my beloved Teddy Roosevelt.
For those of you who are not Nats fans (the majority of you!), there is always a Presidents' race after the Fourth Inning and, poor Teddy has yet to win any of the races. This year, his season began with a relay. Honest Abe pushed him over the top. One might say, the race went to his head...
After the race, there seemed to be a veritable "Who's Who" of mascots - from the Geiko Gecko
to Screech the Team Owl. Those of you with sharp eyes may spot the Secret Service aide for our 4 Presidents...
We didn't have much hitting...we did have a few pitching changes...and some decent pitching. This is a photo of one of our relief pitchers, who throws with incredible intensity despite needing near telescopes for glasses....
We also seemingly have a bright spot among our fielders. Jayson Werth made his debut with a hit and also some stellar catches --he will be keeping the laundry crew quite busy. I suspect he was looking up around him wondering how he landed here however....
Alas, when all was said and done...the bottom line went in favor of Atlanta...thankfully, it's a very long season...
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