The Mighty Casey

The boys are back in town, and once again, life revs up to full speed ahead!

This time of year truly kicks off one of the best cycles of the twelve months! January and the beginning of February are times of withdrawal, yet a time of rest, and then a time to organize and prepare for the season ahead!

Then, POW! Spring Training....NBA heats up toward the playoffs.....March Madness.....Lent and the whole Easter holiday season.....NHL in the thick of things......and now, OPENING DAY!

To many it is just another day. To those true baseball fans, true Indians fans, and true to the City of Cleveland, it is when the spirit is revitalized, the heart beats stronger.

This 'event' catapults us straight into Spring, regardless of what the actual temperature reads on the thermometer.

I could not imagine NOT being at Progressive Field with Mom and close friends to usher in another year of excitement, breathtaking acrobatics, contests of strength and the utmost control.

Once we get there, we see our 'extended' Progressive Field Family that we live and die with for 162 (or hopefully 181) games.

It's like we never skipped a beat....Mary Jo and 'D' as gracious as ever. We're home.

The fan fare, the public address announcer (what a gem of a human being) announces the players to deafening cheers from adoring fans. The volunteers unfurl one of the largest flags while the color guard makes their way to the center of the field. The first pitch and 'Star Spangled Banner' participants make their way to their posts. Players continue signing autographs for the lil tikes up until game time. You can not take it all in with dozens of sidebar one-act plays carrying on all around.

When you realize what is happening, tears of joy stream uncontrollably.

All 42,000+ people have their own story to tell and they are telling them all at the very same time! It's like the buzz of a humming bird filling the ballpark.

The umpire says 'play ball' and there is no looking back. We're on this ride 'til the C-Train stops and we hope it don't stop 'til we see the promised land!

Every single player who comes up is your favorite. You know a little personal nugget about each one of them--where they hit, the song that ushers them in, anticipate their every move.

You cheer even louder for the guys on your fantasy baseball team. And when one of them wins the game, high fives for everyone!

What makes this team great, there is not one standout star. They are all stars. There is a different hero every single night helping this team win.

Pinch me, it's like a dream come true: Opening Day 2008, sold out house, sunny skies, surrounded by those you love, winning in the late innings with nail biting antics 10 to 8 over the dreaded Chicago White Sox and Jim Thome.

And it just so happened that tonight, my true favorite player, Casey shined the brightest for all to see!