The offseason seemed to take forever....but now the baseball season is offically here. The day baseball is something that doesn't happen as much as it should anymore in my opinion. One game in particular had my interest...
The Reds home opener today was the beginning of their 132nd season, and it was the first opening day in a long while when Joe Nuxhall was not inolved with the Reds for a good longwhile. Joe had been in the booth for like 40 years and has been the voice of the Reds. Many tributes were given to Joe while he was still alive including the microphone with his name under it in Great American Ballpark and his famous phrase "Rounding third and heading for home" is on the side of the stadium. The Reds fans will never forget the old lefty. Today the Reds unveiled a number 41 jersey over the bullpen in memory of Joe Nuxhall.
Perhaps the most touching tribute to a great guy on/off the field and in the community for the Reds were the jerseys the players came onto the field with. Each player had number 41 and Nuxhall on their backs. After they came out for introductions they changed their jerseys and they will be auctioned with the money going to Joe's program to help children in the city of Cincinnati. These moments make baseball truly great and show what a great impact Joe has had on the community and the Reds.
The Reds lost the game to a very good Diamondbacks team where Brandon Webb looked very good. Aaron Harang who wore the number 41 Nuxhall jersey throughout the game appeared to be a little off and a couple of his mistake pitches were taken out of the yard. Behind the power of 3 homeruns the Diamondbacks won...but that was hardly the story.
Baseball is back....and we are all emotionally involved for at least 6 more months...until we can hope for something in the next offseason...
