A T.O. with T.H.

Thank goodness baseball is back. Whether it’s steroids or Manny being Manny that turns you off, I think baseball is still a great sport.

And no, I am not talking about spring training or the World Baseball Classic. I am talking real baseball. For those of you that do not know, Opening Day was on Monday.

Here are five things I love about the holiday that is Opening Day in baseball.

1. It’s not even really Opening Day

Truthfully, the first baseball game of the season was on Sunday night when the Braves beat the Phillies. But Monday, there were 22 teams in action and it was referred to as Opening Day. So because it wasn’t actually baseball’s first day, I love it because it is still able to carry the name.

2. Ceremonial first pitches

It doesn’t only happen once a year, but there is something special about an Opening Day first pitch.

Whether it is a president, hall-of-famer or other famous person, it is good to see they are baseball fans and most of them can’t throw worth a crap.

If you want a laugh, go to Youtube.com and type in “Cincinnati mayor throws out first pitch.” I guarantee at least a smile, even from a non-sports fan.

3. Emotional patriotic songs
Yet another thing that is done during the entire season. But the singing of the national anthem and “God Bless America” seems to have more pop on Opening Day.

It is a time when every baseball fan has a chance to sit back and reflect on what baseball means to this great land of ours, although to the majority of Americans, baseball is virtually unwatchable.

4. Everybody is in first place for a day

This is quite possibly the best thing about Opening Day.

Every team, from the Red Sox to my beloved Reds, are contenders and therefore important for one single day.

You may finish 45 games under .500, but on Opening Day you are relevant.

5. It usually falls on the same day as the college basketball national championship

This is important because there is no lay-off.

Baseball is the bridge between college basketball and college football. Other than golf, there is no other really entertaining sport going on. And yes, I am including the NBA in that statement.

If the professional basketball season didn’t last until June then it wouldn’t get old, but it definitely does.

Thanks to baseball, we don’t have to suffer through the summer months and Opening Day is the sign that baseball is back.

I don’t care if it is no longer America’s pastime, I absolutely love baseball. And I especially love Opening Day.

If you have never really watched a baseball game, I encourage you to do so. Trust me, it is more exciting than you think.