Opening Day

"Starting pitcher Kevin Gausman #39 of the Baltimore Orioles prays before playing the Toronto Blue Jays during their Opening Day game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 3, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland."

To many, Opening Day is a holy day.

Each year after 162 games for each team, plus a post-season, the baseball season comes to a end.  There are no fast balls, home runs or game seven for the long stretch that is winter. It's a long break for many, but when it's back, there are lots of excited fans.

I've heard stories of many people considering Opening Day a holiday and taking off of work. Start talking to anyone at the ballpark and there are fans who haven't missed an Opening Day in 20 some years.

Personally, I've always thought Opening Day, or the first game of the year for major league baseball, was also the start of spring. The days are longer, the temperature is rising and the world becomes green again.

In all my years shooting professionally, I've never once been to as a fan, nor photographed, an Opening Day. For whatever reason, be it travel or other assignments, it just never lined up.

Thankfully I got my first this year. It was an exciting one and I'll never forget it.