In the beginning, there was no baseball. But ever since there have been few beginnings as good as the start of a new baseball season. It is the most splendid time in sports.

-B.J. Phillips

There is no event in the wild world of sports that compares to baseball’s Opening Day, a day that mark the true end of winter and the start of spring, with the promise of summer right around the corner. After a long and cold winter Opening Day marks the changing of the season and the limitless possibilities of a new year and a new baseball season. In American lore few events can compete with Opening Day, and each team and fanbase has its own traditions.

In Cincinnati, home of the first professional baseball team (the Cincinnati Red Stockings), a parade through town to marks each Opening Day. The first baseball game of the season is played on a Sunday, known as Opening Night, followed the next day by Opening Day in ballparks all over the country. Opening is also the only time during the regular season when the entire roster as well as managers and coaches are introduced. During the regular season only the starting lineup is announced. “Much more than an event, its an experience”, says the Baseball Almanac. Opening Day is also a chance or sitting Presidents to show their pitching prowess. Throughout the years cores of presidents have tossed the first pitch. No word yet on whether Obama will join the likes of Harry Truman, Bill Clinton, Howard Taft and the other US Presidents that have tossed the first pitch of the baseball season.

Notable Opening Day Moments and Stats:

• In 1974 Hank Aaron hit a home run with his first swing, which made it his career 714, tying Babe Ruth for the all-time home run record
• In 1949 Bob Feller of the Cleveland Indians pitched a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox, the only time this has happened
• Fans with Red Sox opening day tickets during the 1940s saw the best ever hitter play even better, as Ted Williams batted .449 on Opening Day, had a hit in each Opening Day Game he played
• Greg Maddux was a perfect 6-0 on Opening Day
• Len Griffey Jr. and Frank Robinson hold the record for most home runs on Opening Day with eight
• Washington Senators pitcher Walter Johnson had nine shutouts on Opening Day

“People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.”
- Rogers Hornsby