Opening day of Major League Baseball is the unofficial start of spring.  To many, it’s a magical day, that holds all the promises of an amazing season and makes you forget about the woes of the previous season(s); no matter how briefly. 

Despite the temperate never rising above freezing, and constant, biting winds; the parking lots were absolutely packed, and officially closed less than an hour after they opened.  It appeared that nearly every-single fan in attendance arrived 2.5-3 hours early, to continue the age-old Wisconsin sports’ tradition of tailgating; no matter what the weather throws our way. 

By the time the ceremonial first pitch was thrown, the National Anthem sung, the fireworks launched (indoors) and Milwaukee Brewers’ ace Yovani Gallardo threw out the first pitch: nearly all of the sell-out, standing-room only 45,000-plus crowd was on their feet and cheering.  This is an incredible feat, considering that the Brewers are one of the smallest-market teams in MLB and the game was at 1pm on a Monday. If that doesn’t say dedication, I don’t really know what does. 

Things didn’t start well for the Brewers, with Gallardo needing 50 pitches just to get through the first-two innings and ended up allowing three runs on 10 hits in just five innings pitched.  But new bullpen additions Alfredo Figaro and Burke Badenhop were able to lock things down, pitching a combined three innings, allowing only one hit and striking out four. 

In the bottom of the eighth inning, the Brewers were able to put three more runs on the board, and overcome a 3-1 deficit to take the 4-3 lead.  Closer John Axford, who was celebrating his 30th birthday, was brought in to a standing ovation.  Axford went to work, and quickly struck out the first-two batters. Things went south from here, as Axford gave up the game-tying home run to Dexter Fowler on a 3-2 pitch. 

After failing to win in the bottom of the ninth, the Brewers held the Rockies scoreless in the top of the tenth.  In the bottom of the inning, Milwaukee was able to load the bases, and fan-favorite catcher Jonathan Lucroy hit a walk-off, sacrifice fly to deep centerfield, allowing Rickie Weeks to score easily from third. 

All pandemonium broke loose in The Keg after that.  The players mauled Lucroy at first base, fans cheered and high-fived total strangers and the victory fireworks exploded across the ceiling.  It was a great feeling to see the Brewers show their grit and ability to fight back for the win, especially on opening day. 

I still remember my first opening day as a kid, as well as every-single one since, and In the end; this still would have been a great day if the Brewers had lost.  Opening day really is a one-of-a-kind experience that all baseball fans should be a part of, at least once.  It has all the excitement and hope of the playoffs, without all of the stress.