The national anthem has been played. the ceremonial first pitch has been thrown.

the lead off batter has stepped into the batter's box.

the first run has been scored and baseballs have already landed in the seats.

Another season of major league baseball has begun, 2009 edition.

Two new stadiums, both home to teams from New York.

Soon new stadiums for people in Minnesota and Florida.

What is it about baseball that strikes a chord in my heart?

Is it the sound the bat makes when it connects with the ball?

Is it the look on the batter's face as he watches a nasty curveball pass by him for call Strike three?

Is it the look on the batter's face as he watches the ball he just hit fall into some lucky fan's glove in deep right field?

Is it the way he runs around the diamond stepping on each bag with a smile on his face knowing he just hit the game winning home run and that he will be mobbed at home plate by his fellow teammates?

Maybe its the roar of the crowd or the funny baseball tunes they put on over the loud speaker.

Maybe its as simple as just the look of it all.

The dimensions, the way the seats are, the signs...

The lines that go down first base and third base...

The green grass or turf...

The pitcher's mound...

The way the player's come out of the dugout and run to there positions...

I love baseball.

I love going to the games and just stare at the surroundings.

I love looking at baseball fields, whether if its at Dolphin Stadium or some middle school doesnt really matter to me.

Ive been to all kinds of games...

From middle school, to high school, to college, to minor league, to the show.

All of them capture me.

I know baseball is just a game, i know its just a sport.

But its my favorite.

Nothing can compare to it in my eyes.

Ive been to so many games, but i never get bored.

Doesnt matter if im sitting behind the dugout or if im in the fish tank in right center, I love it.

Some of my happiest moments in life have come from baseball.

Some of my saddest too.

I remember my first marlin game...

I remember Edgar Renteria's hit that gave the Marlins their first championship back in 1997.

I remember the fire sale.

I remember the years of frustration.

I remember the team building.

I remember looking at the newspaper and asking my brother "Who the F*** is Jack Mckeon"?

I remember going to game 3 of the NLDS in 03 and watching the marlins defeat the giants.

I remember the look on my cousin ryan's face. I remember the look on my brother cesar's face.

I remember my drunk cousin phil asking where his phone was and later founding out that it was broken because it fell out of his pocket and we all jumped on it as we celebrated.

I remember Jeff Conine's throw from left field in game 4.

I remember the tears i wiped away from my face in the parking lot after game 4 of the NLCS when the marlins went down 3-1 to the cubs.....

I remember steve bartman.

I remember Josh Beckett tagging out Jorge Posada down the first base line.

I remember how we silenced Yankee Stadium.

I remember being so happy for Jack Mckeon, holding the marlins second world series trophy.

I remember the other fire sale.

I remember the team building once again.

 

I dont know when the marlins will win their next world series. But im still going to the games with my brothers and my cousins and my friends and i might even take the girlfriend to a game this season.

I cannot wait to see the new marlins stadium, being in line for opening day 2012.

The way the game has been tainted by steroids bothers me deeply, but wont stop me from loving the game.

The way the game is being tainted by guys asking for 25 million a year to play a children's game wont stop me from getting up and singing take me out to the ballgame in the bottom of the 7th.

 

I love the game...it brings me peace. It some how releases me from my depression i feel thru out the days.

It makes me appreciate life in some way. It makes me smile the way a father and son do when they play catch in the backyard. It gives me something to remember and talk about with my son who will be born some day (god willing)

 

God bless the game.

 

I love baseball.

 

Play Ball.

:arms