“The boys are back, back in town and that’s where they’re gonna stay!” I remember that slogan from a local television station commercial always playing, year after year growing up, and being my cue as a little girl that one of my favorite times of the year, the start of baseball season, was finally approaching.

From the time I was very young, I loved baseball. I used to watch it with my dad growing u, and in high school spent countless days driving to San Francisco with a car full of guys to watch games. Sitting with my friends in the stands, I learned useless baseball facts and trivia, such as how many stitches are on a baseball, and would listen as they raved about a bad call by the umpires. The more I learned the ins and outs of the game, the more I loved it, and soon baseball became more to me than just a game, it became tradition and a part of life.

My sophomore year of college, I asked my parents for a present most girls don’t typically wish for, season tickets! I have now gone to opening day the last four years, and still have the same season tickets I received for my 20th birthday. They really are the gift that keeps on giving all year (or baseball season) long.

I love the feeling of opening day. The way the park smells of hot dogs, beer and grass, all rolled into one. I love that the same people have had the tickets next to and near my seats every year, and that the same little old lady usher from my section tells me every season, on more than one occasion, not to throw peanuts when the rival team is in town. Most of all, I love bringing my friends to games, and sharing the fun with them, especially if somehow they have never experienced a game before.

I may not remember the outcome of all of the games I have been to over the years, but I will never forget the countless memories I have made going to watch them. The excitement I feel on opening day, when I hear those famous words, “Play Ball”, and know that an entire season of fun is just beginning, with all of its unknowns and high hopes for my team, is hard to describe.

Even if you don’t love baseball, catching a game is always a fun experience! After all, there are not many places where you can get a tan (depending on the stadium of course), have fun with your friends, eat the perfect hot dog, and scream at the top of your lungs in a very unladylike manor, without anyone ever judging you, or thinking twice about it.

I know I’ll be in my seats on opening day, right behind the home team dugout, anticipating the excitement of the season. The question is will you be there? I hope you get the chance to experience at least one game this season!

-Frankie