Opening Day in Detroit ? our national holiday! The pungent aroma of grilled hot dogs. Peanut shells crackling under one’s footsteps. The high fives from friends who also played hooky. The sight of batting practice taking place on manicured green grass which seems out of place what with snow banks still lining some of the streets. And a frigid breeze blowing through the stands as fans in parkas bundled up in blankets prepare to welcome the Boys of Summer for what many expect to be a run for another pennant. Ahh, Opening Day in Detroit!
It almost takes the edge off the $30 parking fee at the Opera House structure. For $30 I was expecting maybe a fruit plate, an oil change and perhaps being serenaded by the Three Tenors. A sign proclaiming $70 for a one month parking permit in the structure attracted many of the fans who have season tickets and thus would be frequenting the park on a regular basis.
My son and I celebrated my 65th birthday by cheering on our hometown team. Rumor was that Mayor Kilpatrick was to throw out the first text message device but alas the honor of throwing out the first ball was relegated to Miss America. She did a masterful job and also serenaded the record crowd with a stunning rendition of the National Anthem. A flyover of jets from Selfridge Air National Guard Base was hampered by the fog but the sound of their massive engines ignited the crowed into robust cheers.
Bottled water for $3.75 didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of fans nor did the $6.50 for a beer. Camaraderie among fans was a delight to see. Everyone was in a festive mood that is until the Tigers lost in extra innings.
But after a long, snow filled winter with gas prices at record levels, this was a day to inhale the aroma of frankfurters, ignore the exorbitant parking fees and just reflect on warmer days forthcoming and some Tiger victories.
And to cap off the day, my son surprised me with two tickets to an upcoming Tigers/Yankees game! And the best part? It’s being played in Yankee Stadium. Wonder how much the bottled water is in the Big Apple?