THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 4, 1996 TAG: 9604040007
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
Although most of America celebrated baseball's opening day on Sunday, Hampton Roads' baseball fans know this season doesn't really open until tonight when the Norfolk Tides take the field in their home opener against Toledo.
Baseball has been called the national pastime, but it is so much more than that. The first pitch of the season heralds a new year as surely as the dropping ball in Times Square does on Dec. 31.
You don't even have to be a baseball fan to feel that wonderful comfortable sensation when you sit on a bleacher seat, survey the soft green field, hear the announcer, stand for the national anthem, smell the hot dogs and watch the players - and notice how young they look this year.
Sure, things have changed in baseball over the years. Especially in the big leagues.
The price of a ticket for one. Night games, labor problems, free agency and television contracts, to name a few more.
And, sadly, major-league baseball begins this year like last: without a contract and without a commissioner.
But take heart, Hampton Roads. We have the Tides - a team that plays baseball as it was meant to be played. After last year's league championship, the home team seems poised for another great season. Although most of last year's team has gone - many moved up to the majors - manager Bobby Valentine has returned after a successful one-year stint in Japan.
So rejoice, baseball fans. The boys of summer are back. The long, gray winter is over.
Play ball. by CNB