Time to play ball!

The last few days has been opening day for every team in Major League baseball, and I’ve been aching to see this week for a long, long time. Last night, my beloved Blue Jays took the field with their new players, and they did not disappoint. The new guys chipped in and made the difference and the Toronto fans watched the new squad kick some Minnesota ass. Roy Holiday looked a little shakey in the late innings but still had enough to get through to the eighth. From there the bullpen took over and so did Toronto’s new 47 million dollar closer. BJ Ryan came in and just mowed down every twin he saw, retiring them in order and striking out two of three batters seen. If that’s the kind of stuff we’re going to see from him all year, he’s worth every penny. Bengie Molina is also looking to be the best steal of the Free Agent season, as he mashed a huge homer into the upper deck last night. He also looked great behind the plate, and didn’t have problems handling Toronto’s best arms. I’m sure the Angels will miss him, his gold glove and clutch hitting down the stretch.

It was great game and now I’m more excited than ever to catch a game when I go back to Toronto in May. Should be a lot of fun and here’s hoping this powerful new team is in first place when I make it to the SkyDome. My brothers, my dad, myself and Ethan are all going to watch the game and it will be a lot of fun for the boys. I’m excited about taking Ethan to his first game and I hope he has a lot of fun. I remember going to Old Exhibition Stadium when I was a little kid, and those were some of the best memories I ever had with my Dad who is also a big baseball fan. Two years ago, Dad and I were making on the road from Nashville to Toronto during my 2004 visit, and we made a stop in Cleveland to catch the Indians against Seattle. It was a lot of fun, and I think my Dad also looks forward to taking the Grandkids to the games as well, so it’s nice to know everyone is looking forward to the game.

Sticking to the subject of baseball, it seems that (as predicted) Barry Bonds is not getting a free ride this year in his attempt to break Hank Aaron’s homerun record. The fans in San Diego were fierce, and basically heckled and harassed Bonds as much as they could. Here is a sampling of the signs that Barry and Co. got to see on opening day:

– Barr-Roids
– Bonds 1st in Hall of Shame
– Cheaters Never Prosper
– No Confess, No Hall of Fame
– Bonds: Greatest Cheater of the Era
– Huge Head, Tiny Bat, Tiny Balls

These signs are vicious, and intentionally rude. There was one sign in the crowd that said nothing and simply had an asterisk (*) on it. To me, that sign was hardest hit to Bonds of the night. The fan was making it clear that he thinks that all of Bond’s records should have the * beside it to mention that he didn’t cleanly win the record. I happen to think that’s a good idea. And then things got really crazy during the game when someone chucked a large syringe onto the field at Bonds. There was no needle in this syringe, but to toss out the plastic part of it was a huge statement that I think Bonds should pay attention to. We all know he’s a cheater, and until he comes clean with everyone or just leaves the game… this is basically the way it’s going to be for the rest of the year.

And this was just in San Diego! Wait until Barry travels to New York or worse… Chicago where the fans take the game ten times more personal than Californians do. Then you have Atlanta, the team that Hark Aaron played for. Do you think Mr. Bonds will get a warm reception at Turner Field? I doubt it. When Barry comes to these stadiums, that’s when it will get really ugly. I have a feeling things more dangerous than empty syringes will be tossed at Barry. He’s going to get harassed, heckled and worse… not pitched to the entire year, and rightfully so. Cheaters shouldn’t be given a free pass… and if I was there, I’d harass and heckle the guy with every breathe I could muster. Bonds and users like him are a disgrace to the game and should be banned.

Getting back to the better side of the game, it’s nice that things are on the go and the season is finally underway. I’m looking forward to watching a lot of great games and this like many others before them will be a interesting season.

Peter