First day of play has always been favorite of fans, players The crack of a wooden baseball bat echoes off the outfield walls. The sound of baseballs popping against leather punctuates the air. The sticky smell of pine tar and freshly cut grass compete for attention. The stadium is barely populated, save for the few fans who want to grab a souvenir or an autograph.
Anticipation grows as the stadium fills with more eager fans.
But this game is different from any of the other 161 games in a major league season. It's opening day. Major League Baseball begins its season every year in the first week of April after five months of off-season. Whether it is the big leagues or Little League, opening day has always been a favorite among fans and players alike. Opening day is an event, and for some people, it is a holiday.