I love baseball. In my opinion the worse days of the year are the baseball off-season. I want to further the game. I want to grow “America’s Pastime” into America’s Present. I want more eyes on the game. I therefore understand the importance of growing our game, with eyes on our sport from other countries like Mexico. Korea, England and so on. My problem is that we are doing this, at the expense of tradition.

Tradition is important to every sport. It is the foundation for which that sport was built. And although we must grow, and we must adapt and we must embrace change and new ideas as the world changes, some traditions should never be forgotten or just allowed to fade away. Opening Day is one of those traditions.

A tradition that started back in 1876, the Cincinnati Reds always started Opening Day at home, and were until recently, given the honor of being the first game of each new season. This tradition was bestowed upon them for being the first ever professional baseball team, then known as the Cincinnati Red Stockings. The Queen City was awarded the “opening opener” from 1876-1989 (except for twice due to rain in 1877 and 1966).

“It;s a holiday-a baseball holiday! Ain’t no other place in America got that!”

Hall of Fame Manager Sparky Anderson

Cincinnati Reds Business Manager Frank Bancroft is and was called the “Father of Opening Day” because of his tireless promotion of the Reds and the first game of every new season.

The city of Cincinnati has a parade before the game for goodness sake! The Findlay Market Parade for Cincinnati on Opening Day is like the Tournament of Roses Parade before the Rose Bowl. The parade has been a yearly tradition since 1920.

I know that Major League baseball can make money and grab headlines by having Opening Day on another continent. But those games in those countries in those cities will still draw money and still draw headlines regardless of what day they are played on. Opening Day is a great tradition, for fans and players alike.

“You have that anxiety to get off to a good start, for yourself and for the team. You know that when you win the first one, you can’t lose ’em all.”

Hall of Fame pitcher Early Wynn

Major League Baseball, as a baseball fan, I beg you. There are 161 other games to do with what you want. There is only one first ever professional team, and only one Opening Day. Let Cincinnati have this tradition on this day.

By : Ballentine

Photo Credit; The business Journal, X.com, BVM Sports, Fox 19 Cincinnati

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