My first experience at the extravaganza better known as opening day for the St. Louis Cardinals, was certainly, well, damp. Yet despite heavy gray clouds, chilly temperatures, and pelting rain, you could still sense the energy. Fans were decked out in soggy Cardinal-printed gear ready to welcome a new season. And the weather didn't slow anyone down a bit. The party started at 10 a.m. and went on until game time at 3:15. Music played while beer flowed fast as a raging river. Grilled hot dogs could be found just about anywhere.
The biggest bummer was the weather canceled the annual appearance of the beautiful Anheuser-Busch Clydesdale horses. Those horses are smart...way too smart to come out in the rain. Here's a picture of what they would have looked like had the sun been shining. Biggify the picture to see a handsome dalmatian sitting next to the driver.
We certainly love our baseball in St. Louis. Where else can you find people circulating petitions to make opening day a national holiday? Even the fountains are dyed to mimic Cardinal red.
I spent opening day stuffing myself on popcorn and washing down brats with delicious $1 Hurricanes. The vendor was closing up shop and sold leftover drinks at rock bottom prices...an unexpected rainy day perk.
By the time the game began, we were shivering and soaked through. We folded our ponchos and splashed to the car. With all that pre-game excitement, who can stay and watch a ball game? Especially one played in the rain. So we found a nice warm place to sit, dry out, and enjoy the game on a big screen tv.
Would I ever go to opening day again? Absolutely. It's definitely an experience...sort of like the Woodstock of baseball. Truly far out.
P.S. The Cardinals won.
