I also enjoy the traditions of Opening Day weekend...recently this may be the only chance I get to see some old friends whom I have lost touch with...I plan on taking my 5 year old twins this year for their first...starting a tradition that I hope they will pass on to their children...in the intervening years I hope to instill in them all of the knowledge and respect for nature that my father taught me...it is a beginning and for some an ending...

I recently lost a close friend whom I rarely saw, except for our annual get together on Opening Day...this year he won't be there...and he will be missed.

IMHO, some traditions don't need to be analyzed or subject to logical, rational arguments against them...some just need to BE without question and exist to be relished for what they provide in emotional and psychological solace.