April Showers Bring The Tigers Flowers
Vicki Briganti - WWJ-TV Writer / Producer / Editor
I've been going to the Detroit Tigers opening day for the past…oh, let me think … six years? Yeah, wow. To me, the day is synonymous with spring. When I heard it was supposed to rain this year, I thought about staying home, on the couch, taking a nap. But since I'd already taken the day off work, I had to go.
Spring is: trying to find a place to park … hoping you don't park illegally…passing vendors selling peanuts along John R…music, tents, the block party across from Cheli's…the National Anthem…the Honor Guard fly over … first pitch…and for the first time this year, getting my picture taken with WWJ-TV's First Forecast weather team.
I realize I waited out this snowy, harsh, cold winter to hear the vendor in section 137 yell, "Hot dog, yummy-yummy!" I never buy a hot dog from him, but I've missed him just the same. We sit on the aisle and I passed down no fewer than 10 beers to the guys in our row. Because whether or not the Tigers win, and they did win against the Royals 5-2, opening day is about a shared experience with other Detroiters. We love our sports teams and root fiercely for them, even if it's been raining all day. Opening day is a special day when people swarm Woodward; it's a day of respite from the haters, the bad news, the rough economy, and the constant worry and fear brought about by Lansing lawmakers.
Opening Day is more to me than the arrival of spring. It's a day to be proud of wearing my English D and saying to the world, "I still live here. I'm proud to be from Detroit. Today is fun." … Even if it might rain.
Check out more Opening Day photos from the WWJ-TV booth.
>> More Motor City Musing With Vicki Briganti
