Opening Day

It all starts in our nation's capital, where President Obama climbed to the rubber and lobbed in the ceremonial first pitch. Staying true to form, he wore a Nationals jacket but made sure he represented his hometown boys by donning a Chicago White Sox cap. After the pitch he went over and shook hands with each member of the umpiring crew. The crowd, largely compiled of Phillies fans, cheered and applauded loudly for our Commander-in-chief.

I wasn't overly impressed with the pitching performances. Newly acquired Phillies' ace Roy Halladay looked rusty. Failing to locate pitches early and surrendering hits to a weak Nats line-up. Fortunately for Doc, the Phils offense exploded for 11 runs. Astros' ace Roy Oswalt looked sloppy as well. Inconsistency seemed to be the theme for many pitchers. While Lincecum and Haren looked good, the majority of supposed 'aces' seem to need a little more seasoning before they gain their true form.

Shaun Marcum, who missed the entire 2009 season, took a no-hitter into the eighth inning. A remarkable feat for someone who hasn't faced professional hitters in a truly competitive nature in over a year. Unfortunately, Nelson Cruz took him yard after Vlad Guerrero broke up the no-no. The excitement didn't end there as Rangers catcher Jared Saltalamacchia sent everyone home happy with a walk-off single. Seeing the players pounce on Salty made everything in life seem just a bit easier to deal with. Another reason I love baseball.

The most anticipated Major League debut was that of Braves outfielder Jason Heyward. On the third pitch he saw in his big league career, the Jay Hey Kid took a violent hack and launched a ball deep into the right field stands. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before. I had goosebumps as he rounded the bases. This kid is going to be special.

Albert was Albert, mashing two home runs and going 4-5 at the plate. Garrett Jones of Pittsburgh also hit two, including a splash down shot into the Allegheny. There were two grand slams, one from Placido Polanco and one from Yadier Molina. But the play of the day and maybe of the year was turned in by Mark Buerhle. After deflecting the ball with his shoe, he raced after the ball into foul territory on the first base side and flipped the ball with his glove between his legs to first where Konerko snatched it bare-handed in time to retire Indians catcher Lou Marson.

I know it's only one day, but if it was any indication of how the next 161 games will be we are in for a treat. Play Ball!