Opening Day in Cincy

It’s party time in Cincinnati. "What holiday?" you ask. "Opening Day!" For Cincinnati, the Red’s Opening Day is as important as Halloween, Labor Day, or Memorial Day. It’s second only to Christmas, Easter, and the Fourth of July. Restaurants and pubs have special hours, food, and prices. The Enquirer sports a major extra beginning two days ahead. The weathermen begin predicting Opening Day (not Monday) a week early. There’s a parade to Findlay Market with a marshal, high school bands, and floats. We are constantly reminded that the Cincinnati Redlegs were the first professional baseball team. Then,the coup de grace--the actual ballgame. People wait in line weeks ahead for tickets. The weather rarely cooperates and everyone arrives toting rain gear or ski wear. Has it always been like this? Actually, back in the 50s and 60s, it was even bigger. When I was a student in Cincinnati Public Schools, special hours were set for Opening Day. We began school at least an hour early, classes were shortened, and we were dismissed around lunch time. No tests were scheduled for Opening Day, or even the day after. This allowed parents, kids, and faculty to attend the big event at Crosley Field. I remember arriving at my high school around 6:30 in the morning! Lucky kids attended the game. The rest of us rushed home and listened to the game on radio. Those with TVs were glued to WLWT’s black and white telecast. Back in the 50s, a TV-owning family hosted half of the neighborhood. Ruth Lyons, the local TV star, wrote songs for the occasion and began a women’s club, the Rosy Reds. Our dad’s arrived home late, score card, carefully filled out, in hand. Schools have no special hours today. But the spirit of Opening Day is in the air--a rite of spring, and a sign for new beginnings.