Opening weekend

Opening weekend is in the books for the Indians. They opened at home this year against the White Sox, losing the first two and winning today.

Funny thing about the home opener in recent years. They always sell out for the opener. Then the crowd disappears for the next game.

It wasn't always that way. Remember the 455-game sellout streak, which obviously included several Game 2's and 3's.

But when I was a kid, it was pretty much the same. I remember 1973, when I fought my way into the old Stadium against more than 70,000 others. Didn't arrive until the second inning. The Indians were up 2-0 against the Tigers, and they ended up winning 2-1.

Then the next day, I think there were fewer fans than there were today. And today set a record for the smallest crowd in Progressive Field--or Jacobs Field-- or whatevr-- history.

Opening Day this year reminded me of when I was 12, and I made my way downtown to watch the Tribe beat Boston 3-2 on Gomer Hodge's two-run, two-out ninth-inning single.

I've been to many more home openers since. Most recently, I have covered 12 of the last 13 for the Star Beacon. (The exception was in 2004, when I was taking a class at CSU, and had a presentation to give.) Other memorable ones: 1975, Frank Robinson's debut as baseball's first black manager, in which he homered. 1982, when Bert Blyleven made his Indian debut. 1993, the final home opener at the Stadium. And that game in the early 90's---was it 1992?-- that went about 17 innings before the Tribe lost.

Truth is, as a writer, I like the second game more than the first. Pretty much only the usual media are there, and you don't have to fight your way for every inch.

The Indians aren't supposed to contend this year. But although it would be nice if they did, hey, I'm a baseball fan. I'm going to enjoy the season no matter what happens.