As the season turns to spring, the sound of baseballs hitting wooden bats can be heard across America. The MLB had its Opening Day March 26, but of course, not before they had its Opening Night March 25.
Who’s on first?
Before this season, I’m not sure I had heard of the term “opening night.” It used to be a regular, single-game event when the MLB season started on Monday, but the League has since transitioned away from this, with Opening Day now starting on Thursday.
The chosen game for Opening Night was the New York Yankees versus the San Francisco Giants. The game was held at Oracle Park in California. The Yankees defeated the Giants to kick off the season, with the game broadcast on Netflix.
Many fans were confused about having an Opening Night this season. Opening Day is meant to be the starting celebration for the season, and in my opinion, having an Opening Night seemed to dull its sparkle.
“Makes me want a hot dog real bad”
Still, 22 teams played their first game on Opening Day, and when you think of baseball, how can you not think of Jennifer Coolidge saying that iconic line from “Legally Blonde 2”? There is nothing better than the sun, a nice cool breeze, a crisp soda and a hot dog at a baseball game — an absolute dream.
Speaking of dreams, major matchups are up and coming this season. The Field of Dreams game between the Minnesota Twins and the Philadelphia Phillies will take place in Dyersville, Iowa, Aug. 13. Then, the Mexico City Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres will take place April 25-26.
No more Hill City Kitties
Since the Lynchburg Hillcats have rebranded to the Hill City Howlers, it wasn’t just the team that made some changes. The City Stadium Complex, which includes the Bank of the James Stadium, has started its renovations as well, which are set to be completed by the beginning of the 2027 season.
The Howlers’ Opening Day will take place April 7 against Fredericksburg, officially debuting the new look in their first game of the season. The rebrand was received better than I thought it would, so I have high hopes for the Howlers to claim another Carolina League Championship title this season.
Schlösser is the sports editor for the Liberty Champion.