We’re Going to the Opener at Safeco

It’s sad when you’re so old that you can’t remember if you’ve ever been to an “opening day” Major League baseball game. But try as I may, I can’t recall any.

So it’s likely a “first” for me, and my wife, when we take in the Seattle Mariners’ season opener tomorrow against the Oakland A’s at beautiful Safeco Field. My son Doug and his wife Jamie will join us for as much of the game as their busy schedules will allow.

I always enjoy going to a Major League game, but this one will have special significance. I’ve been to playoff games and World Series games, but I guess I’ve never been to a game on opening day.

Of course there will be a lot of “ceremonies” before the first pitch is thrown. One of the key observances will be the bestowing of his Golden Glove award upon Ichiro, the Mariners current center-fielder who actually played right field last year for which he earned the honor.

That's the M's left-fielder, the hard hitting Raul Ibanez, pictured. The whole day should be a great experience, and we’re looking forward to it.

Management is high on the prospects for this year’s team, although the M’s finished last in their division in 2006 for the third straight year. The fans have yet to be convinced, which may be why we were able to get upper box seats just a couple of days ago.

A win tomorrow might help ownership put a few more fans in the seats down the road, but it’s not going to be easy. The M’s lost every game to the A’s last year, save one.

One good omen: the M’s have their brilliant young pitching phenom, Felix Hernandez, starting tomorrow’s contest. It’s time to turn the tide.

Our dog Buddy is already showing signs of wanting to go along with us to the game, but until they come up with ballpark pet-sitting, he’ll have to stay home. However, we’ll leave the TV on for him, tuned to the game.