Avichayil blog

Tradition and drama mark season's Opening Day

The Opening Day of the Major League Baseball season came earlier than usual this year, but the grandest traditions of America's favorite pastime were unchanged.

Thursday was the last day of March and in many parts of North America, it still felt like winter. Only the unmistakable sounds of the crack of the bat and the ball thudding into the glove was proof that spring had arrived.

The season normally starts in early April but was brought forward by a week to ensure this year's World Series finishes before the end of October, and for baseball's faithful that meant scarves and woolen hats instead of t-shirts and caps.

That did not stop the crowds from filling the six parks that were picked for the opening day, gorging themselves on hot dogs, crackerjacks and soda as jets flew overhead and fans joined in the singing of the "Star-Spangled Banner" and "Take Me Out To The Ball Game."

There were some somber moments too, silent vigils in remembrance of baseball figures who had passed away and the victims of the natural disasters in Japan.

Atlanta rightfielder Jason Heyward hit the first home run of the season to lead the Braves to a 2-0 win over the Washington Nationals.

Minutes later, Mark Teixera slammed a three-run homer off Detroit's Justin Verlander in New York. Teixera's Yankees team mate Curtis Granderson then slammed a solo run to give them a 6-3 win over the Tigers on a bitterly cold afternoon in the Bronx.

"You don't want to start the season slow as a team or personally," Teixera told reporters. "To get this out of the way with a win and hit a big home run is great."

Cincinnati provided the most exhilarating moment of Opening Day, which was fitting given their status as the sport's oldest professional team.

They are the only team guaranteed to play home every opening day and their first games are always preceded by a street parade. It was a grand occasion and their game against the Milwaukee Brewers then exceeded all expectations.

Trailing 6-3 in the bottom of the ninth, Ramon Hernandez blasted a three-run walk-off homer to steer his team to a unlikely 7-6 victory.

"This is one of the best opening days I've ever had in my career," Hernandez said. "I'm so happy that I helped my team and my team won a ballgame."

A fielding error by St Louis shortstop Ryan Theriot in the 11th inning helped the San Diego Padres to a 5-3 victory over the Cardinals while the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Kansas City Royals 4-2.

For the first time in over half a century, the San Francisco Giants were introduced as the World Series champions, given the starring role in the opening night match away to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

But, exactly 149 days after Brian Wilson threw the last pitch in the Giants' win over the Texas Ranger, the party finally ended when they were beaten 2-1.

(Additional reporting by Daniel Trotta)

(Editing by Greg Stutchbury)