April Baseball

Like most members of Red Sox Nation, I was disappointed that Monday’s season opener in Cleveland was postponed due to cold weather. Baseball and 30 degree weather don’t make for optimum conditions. Having grown up playing baseball in the cold and pitching in some brutal weather in Aprils past during high school and college, I concur with the decision, and hopefully, the boys can get at it this afternoon, in Cleveland.

Listening to afternoon sports talk, on-air personalities on WEEI, yesterday. Dale Arnold, Michael Holley, and Jerry Thornton, questioned the postponement of the game, indicating that Tuesday’s weather won’t be much better. Having Cleveland host a home opener in April is always fraught with cold weather possibilities, but their fans are entitled to see their baseball team host an occasional home opener. The Tuesday forecast at Progressive Field is calling for sun and 34 degree temperatures, sans yesterday’s wind along with rain and snow showers.

I don’t envy Cleveland’s hitters getting jammed by a David Price fastball. The Sox batters are also facing a tough pitcher in former AL Cy Young winner (in 2014), Corey Kluber. On paper, it appears that it might be a low-scoring affair. Hopefully the Sox packed their thermal undergarments and balaclavas.

Wearing the mask. (Getty images)

Wearing the mask. (Getty images)

I’m reminded of my Uncle Bob’s adage from back in the day that in Maine (as well as New England and places like Cleveland), “you don’t have baseball weather until June.” I wonder how bullish he is about Boston’s chances this year?

Me, I’m slated to be the man in blue behind the plate for my first time in 2016, in Freeport. The temps are supposed to be similar to Cleveland’s, with a biting wind. Looks like I’ll have to suit up with my own mix of thermal accoutrements under my protective gear. I might even break out the black gloves, too.

Early season baseball in places like Maine and across New England is for hearty types that’s for sure.

One thought on “April Baseball

  1. Thanks for the reminder about today’s game. I think I need a diversion from the political freak show and baseball is as good as any.

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