April 1, the beginning of baseball season in 2021. Last season is a blur, canceled Spring Training, ridiculously short regular season, empty stands. It just didn't hold its' normal promise. I have been looking forward to this day for months, even though my beloved Pittsburgh Pirates are predicted to be among the worst in baseball. How can that be?
I love the story of those that have overcome adversity or are still trying to overcome the odds. Jacob Stallings our starting catcher was a non prospect in the minor leagues but worked hard to sharpen his skills. Today he is considered among the top defensive catchers in the game. He isn't a star, but an every man that worked hard to prosper.
Chad Kuhl, today's starting pitcher, had high hopes and was touted for his skills, especially his fastball. He was beginning to live up to his potential when he was injured and had Tommy John Surgery in September of 2018, knocking him out for the 2019 season. His return was to take place in 2020 and it did, but due to the short season his ability to demonstrate his return to pre-injury levels was limited.
Right Fielder Gregory Polanco was considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball in the early 2010s and showed flashes of that potential early in his MLB career but a horrific accident while attempting a slide caused injuries that have limited his abilities and he is still hoping to work his way back.
Why do I mention all of this? Baseball is the ultimate story of hope. The 162 game season seems like a lifetime. Injuries, slumps, team conflicts, hot streaks and adversity are all similar to what we experience in our lifetime. Opening day represents a fresh hope, even when odds are against your success. Today, I have the hope of a new season and can reminisce about opening days of years past and the glory of following my favorite team for the next 6+ months.
"But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." Romans 8:25 KJV.
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