Opening Day is one of the most exciting days of the year. Baseball fans struggle through a long Winter in hopes that this day will bring more than just a game. The renewed sense of hope and enjoyment are in the hearts of fans as their team takes the field for the first time in months.
This Opening Day did not disappoint. The Rockies are entering the season with a different feeling as well. For the first time in 16 years, Todd Helton will not walk out to take his rightful place at first base. However, the newly acquired Justin Morneau looks to rejuvenate his career with the team. Jorge De La Rosa makes the start coming off of a season in which he won 16 games. The reigning National League Batting Champion Michael Cuddyer will try to duplicate his success after winning the Silver Slugger. Above all, Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez are both healthy and ready to take on the new season.
The Rockies faced last year's National League Rookie of the Year, Jose Fernandez. He impressed with his fiery fastball and knee-buckling slider. His counterpart, De La Rosa, struggled after a strong start. The Rockies never found a groove offensively and the Marlins had an explosive fifth inning which wound up making the big difference in the final score.
The team may not come away their first victory of the year, but they did come away with a reminder of a familiar lesson. The baseball season is long and challenging, and it is very easy to get discouraged after a tough game. The fact is that tomorrow will bring another game. Another game in which every player can go out and give their all for nine innings. Although that game may not be on Opening Day, the feeling is just as special, and that will continue for the next 160 games.
