Tomorrow is Opening Day! All the statistics from last year are thrown out and we start anew. Spring has arrived with its warmer weather, flowers blossoming and sunlight extended. All those fans of non playoff teams gain a great gift- hope.
No matter that the Tampa Rays failed to make the playoffs in 2009 as most predicted- this could be your year. No matter that Sox fans watched the “evil empire” win their 27th championship, with improvements to your pitching and defense, this could be your year.
Opening Day begins the start of a new relationship with your team and favorite players. 2010 is a year with some new players and a new journey that fans can follow to the fall. Big Papi’s first half struggles will be forgotten with a hot April. A Derek Jeter can turn from a minor leaguer to a world champion starting SS for the most recognized franchise in the world. A Zack Greinke can overcome social anxiety disorder to win the Cy Young. A Josh Hamilton can lay a crack addiction aside to become an All Star. An ARod can turn doubters of his ability to perform in the post season into know-nothing critiques. A new Mickey Mantle or Pedro Martinez can emerge, escaping a childhood of poverty, changing his life and that of his family.
Baseball is about family. It is how many sons communicate with their dads.
“How is Vasquez gonna do this year Dad?”
“Great job by Cashman Mike.”
“What do you think of this Montero kid?”
“He can really hit.”
Summers are spent sitting around a TV, screen doors ajar, watching your team and sharing the game with your dad. Trips to a ballpark are planned following long car rides to big cities many suburban kids find intoxicating and unforgettable.
For my first Opening Day my dad told me we were going to the Bronx Zoo. I got in our Buick station wagon, listened to radio during our two hour drive, loving spending time with my dad. After the Bronx Zoo he unveiled this surprise: ” We have tickets to Opening Day!” He had my broken in glove in the car and seats behind the Yankees dugout. We would make it on time for batting practice. How cool of dad is that?
The grass is so green. The players move like thoroughbreds, gliding through their sprints. The fresh air makes us all feel like a boy. The play takes us to a different world, without stress, problems, disappointment, and struggle.
The greatest gift of Opening Day is hope. This could be the year for your team.
Well in trading we get this gift everyday. Each Open is a gift to learn and improve. Yesterday has no bearing on how well we will trade today. Tomorrow can be the day you start developing a learning schedule so that you turn one trading day into ten. Tomorrow can be the day you start a track record of success. Tomorrow is Opening Day everyday for a trader.