Major League Baseball Opening Day
Major League Baseball Opening Day. It’s when you hear that first crack of the bat and roar of the fans. It’s the first sniff of buttery popcorn in the stadium. Many baseball fans will even admit to playing hooky from work on this day.
Why? Too take themselves out to the ball game, of course. Baseball is America’s Pastime. But it’s even greater than the title alone. Baseball is a culture that draws sports fans from around the country in a unified mission – to cheer on their favorites.
History of Major League Baseball Opening Day
Americans have celebrated the tradition of Major League Baseball Opening Day for over a hundred years. The first recognized major league baseball game was played on April 22, 1876. Despite that, the idea of a certain opening day took time to catch on, at least at first.
In the sport’s first years, teams would start their seasons on different dates. However, MLB pretty quickly caught onto a marketing boon. They soon recognized the buzz that a single Opening Day could create.
The Major League Baseball Opening Day tradition caught on first in Cincinnati, Ohio.. The Cincinnati Red Stockings, today’s Reds, were the first professional baseball team.
They had historically been granted the privilege of opening the season at home. This tradition continued for many years. It symbolized the city’s contributions to the history of baseball.
MLB Opening Day has witnessed some of baseball’s most historic moments over the years. For instance, President William Howard Taft threw the ceremonial first pitch in 1910. He issued an unknowing challenge for many future presidents with that baseball toss.
Don’t forget 1974, when Hank Aaron tied Babe Ruth’s homerun record. These events are permanently struck to the pages of baseball’s history.
How to Celebrate Major League Baseball Opening Day
Celebrating MLB Opening Day is simple – fans enjoying baseball. No MLB team where you live? No worries! You can enjoy it from wherever you are. Here are some ways to join in the fun:
Host an Major League Baseball Opening Day Party
Text all your baseball-loving friends to ask them over for a kickoff party. Transform your living room or backyard into a mini ballpark. Hang pennants and posters of your favorite team.
Don’t get stressed or too creative with your menu. Serve up those comforting classics that will ring true on Major League Baseball Opening Day.
These will include stadium favorites. Hot dogs with all the fixings. Warm soft pretzels. Nachos dripping with cheese. And, of course, peanuts and Cracker Jacks.
Play some classic baseball tunes like “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” to set the mood. Set up a screen to watch a game live. Cheer like you’re in the stadium. But invite the neighbors if you plan to get too raucous.
Go to an MLB Game if You Can
You feel an undeniable thrill when you’re part of a live audience on Opening Day. Purchase your tickets in advance. Once there, enjoy the electric atmosphere. Cheer with other fans. Do the wave. Eat the naughtiest of classic ballpark fare.
Be part of beloved traditions like the seventh-inning stretch and singing along to the National Anthem. If you’ve never been to a game, you will undoubtedly love the experience.
Play Baseball With Friends
Set up a day of fun and games – baseball or softball with friends. Choose a local park or backyard and pick your teams. It’s time to play a friendly game. Playing is a fantastic way to get some exercise. You’ll also get a healthy dose of fresh spring air.
Have youngsters who also want to play? Arrange a child-friendly game. Teach them to hit and run bases. They can get those game fundamentals in a no-pressure setting. It’s not the winning or the losing. Rather, it’s about making the game enjoyable for new players.
Wear Your Team’s Gear
One of the most fun opening day traditions is wearing your favorite team gear. Grab that jersey or ball cap out of the close. Major League Baseball Opening Day is all about team pride.
It also connects you with a community of fans. You never know when another fan will give you a nod of recognition or strike up a conversation about the best players.
Connect with Other Fans
Baseball fans are all about community. Check online – you’ll find forums and social media pages dedicated to your favorite team. Those who live in cities with MLB teams often find meet-and-greets and autograph signings around town.
You might also join the fun of making game-day predictions. Once you know where to look, you’ll see – there are forums for all things baseball.
