Play Ball!

In some places it was a strange Opening Day to the 2014 Major League Baseball season.  The New York Mets game couldn't start on time because nobody was playing first base.  Angels coach Don Baylor broke his leg during the ceremonial first pitch.  But in Pittsburgh's PNC Park, it was all good.

Former Pirates star (and twice MVP in a Pirates uniform) Barry Bonds was there to award the 2013 NL MVP to Andrew McCutchen.  Former Pirates manager Jim Leyland was back to award the 2013 NL Manager of the Year to Clint Hurdle. He told the Post-Gazette: "I've said this many, many times, but this is the most beautiful ballpark in America. It's nice to have the fans really be able to cheer for something."

And did they.  After expanded instant replay was used for the first time (and then the second), Pirates ace Francisco Liriano (who struck out 10) and four relievers combined on a 9 inning shutout.  And in the top of the 10th, Pittsburgh boy Neil Walker parked one in the right field seats for a walk-off win, 1-0 over the Chicago Cubs.

Going to Opening Day of the Pirates was a tradition when I lived in western PA.  And I recall a similar Opening Day game in 1980 when Bill Robinson parked one right in front of me in the right field stands at the top of the tenth to win that one.  They were the World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates that day.  Fans in the burgh figure that day could come again real soon.