Tigers Opening Day a ritual for many students
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks, I don't care if I ever get back.
For some Central Michigan University students, it's not getting back from Opening Day that is the problem, it's getting to class.
"To me, personally, Opening Day is basically like a holiday," said Big Rapids senior Dan Heck, a self-proclaimed passionate Detroit Tigers and baseball fan.
Today, the first pitch of the Tigers' 2009 season will be thrown at Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays. Detroit's starting pitcher, Justin Verlander, will go up against the Blue Jays' Roy Halladay.
The Tigers' home opener at Comerica Park is Friday against the Texas Rangers.
Paul Clotworthy said watching the Opening Day game is a tradition he has adhered to since childhood.
"It's something my dad and I always did," he said.
Clotworthy admits to skipping class in the past to watch baseball, but tomorrow will not be heading to tomorrow's game in Canada.
Besides, the Macomb senior said going to games with his dad is always the best experience.
"I always like going with my dad because he's been going since the 70s, so he always has stories and stuff," said Clotworthy. "But sometimes, if it's early (in the season), the weather can be horrible, and that can make it really bad."
For Heck, nothing taints Opening Day, though.
"I always wear my white home jersey and my fitted Detroit hat," he said.
Heck said Canada also is out of range for him, but he will be taking in the game at a local bar with friends.
One thing both fans have in common is their shared hope that this season will be better than the last.
"I can't imagine them ending up any worse," Clotworthy said.
"I just want the Tigers to get back to where they were in 2006," Heck said. "I'm predicting 90 wins."
studentlife@cm-life.com
