#SOL18 Day 29 
Baseball was, is, and always will be to me the best game in the world. ~ Babe Ruth
Today is one of my favorite days of the year. Opening day brings me back to growing up in Philadelphia at a time when home games were only broadcast on the radio. We would listen to Richie Ashburn, By Saam, and then Harry Kalas on transistor radios sitting outside on humid summer nights. From Veterans Stadium to Citizens Bank Park, from Mike Schmidt and Tug McGraw to Darren Daulton and John Kruk to Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley, and now Aaron Nola and Rhys Hoskins, I have loved them all. This is my ode to Opening Day.
Grapefruit League
Bullpen
Diamond
Dugout
Field
Homeplate
Mound
Boys of Summer
Bat
Ball
Cap
Glove
Helmet
Spikes
Heart of the Lineup
Bunt
Catch
Pitch
Slide
Steal
Throw
Ducks on the Pond
Curve ball
Change-up
Fastball
Knuckleball
Off-speed
Slider
Pennant Race
Fly ball
Grand slam
Homerun
Line drive
Pop fly
Strikeout
Play Ball!
Rita DiCarne 
Love your Ode to Baseball! 🙂
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I love baseball like you and have rooted for 3 teams in my life-Cardinals most of my childhood, Phillies when I lived in Jersey and Astros when living in Texas. 🙂
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Not such a great day for the Red Sox! But the Cubs win 8-4!! Here’s to the days of summer!
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Rough start for my Phillies. Not sure about this new manager!
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Yeah! Love your poem, Rita. Go Phils!
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Opening day! Sigh. It’s the best. Love my Cubbies but there’s nothing like a good game no matter the teams. No matter the level. There’s just something about a baseball game. Love your ode to opening day!
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Thanks.
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Play ball! Opening day is always a welcome time in our family. (But we are Yankees fans.)
Check out Rose Cappelli’s post today. It is related to yours.
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Yay!!! Opening Day! I grew up going to Phillies Games. Even traveled to Montreal when I was young to go to a game. Many amazing ball players you mentioned! Hope it’s a great season!
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One of my favorite days as well. I will be watching the Cubs. But, now that you have Jake Arrieta I have become a little bit of a Phillies fan. He’s had his ups and downs, but I rooting for him. Enjoy the season!
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Opening Day give me hope for summer…
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