There’s nothing quite like it.
Nothing like that feeling.
Nothing like your first trip to the ballpark each baseball season.
When thinking about our favorite annual sporting events, the feeling you get when you walk (or sprint) through those gates can’t be topped. It doesn’t matter whether the game is in April or July.
It’s your first time seeing that finely-manicured green grass again. The smells of hotdogs, popcorn, bar-b-que and beer fill the air as you shuffle to your seat. The organ plays as the anticipation grows.
Opening Day enhances all of these senses.
The pomp and circumstance never gets old. Your favorite O’s all running down orange carpet as they are introduced. The roar of the crowd as the first pitch is thrown. The hope of a new season here.
For me, this year is extra special.
Growing up in Bowie, I grew up loving the O’s. When Camden Yards opened 25 years ago I thought it was one of the best places on the face of the earth. Actually, I still do. Now, getting to cover the Orioles for ABC2, it really is a dream come true.
This will be my first full season covering the O’s and I can’t wait for the regular season to start.
My first Opening Day back in Birdland can’t come soon enough. I’ve been looking forward to it for quite some time. Thankfully it’s almost here.
Enjoy Opening Day 2017, everyone.
See you at The Yard!
Follow Shawn Stepner on Twitter @StepnerABC2 and Facebook
