For Openers

Opening Day -- two words that can bring hope, joy and comfort to any baseball fan.

After a long winter in which Mother Nature left her mark across much of North America, it's time to play ball once again. Regardless of the expectations that exist for the season, positive or negative, Opening Day represents a homecoming -- a chance for fans to welcome back their team.

Hope springs eternal -- even on chilly, gray days

On Opening Day, pre-game nuances seemingly take precedence over the actual game itself. Some traditions are renewed, while others are born. It's a day of "firsts," both on and off the field. It's the 1st game, the 1st pitch, the 1st ballpark beer, etc.

Friday, April 8th marked the 50th home opener in New York Mets' history. After starting the season on the road in Florida and Philadelphia, the 3-3 Mets set foot inside Citi Field for the 1st time in 2011...eager to put a tumultuous off-season behind them.

Some Mets' fans have mixed feelings about the upcoming season

The party in Flushing started hours before the Mets would take the playing field.

Beneath an overcast sky in the parking lot, fans dressed in combinations of blue, orange and black. The 42-degree temperature seemed more appropriate for a football game, rather than baseball. Still, it was a festive atmosphere.

Opening Day draws just about everyone to the ballpark

Some people held pre-game tailgating sessions...allowing the aroma of grilled hot dogs and hamburgers to fill the air.

A father and son have a pre-game catch

Elsewhere, fathers and sons played catch together...while others wandered around the ballpark exterior, taking in the Opening Day sights and sounds.

Once the gates opened, thousands entered Citi Field through the ballpark's main entrance, the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. As fans collected their Mr. Met bobblehead giveaway item, many then scattered to different areas of the park.

The Jackie Robinson Rotunda was a busy place on this afternoon

Everywhere you looked, there were reminders of this special day in the season. Opening Day logos and graphics were proudly displayed on the main scoreboards, as well as the accompanying electronic message boards. On the field, "Opening Weekend" logos were painted into the grass near the Mets' and Nationals' dugout.

Opening Day has its own logo

My favorite reminder, however, is the bunting that surrounded the field. There's just something about those red, white and blue half-circles that make an event seem more important. The patriotic fabric hung from every level in the seating area. It is a baseball tradition that has spanned decades.

Celebratory bunting surrounded Citi Field

Another tradition that has lasted throughout the Mets' history is the Opening Day floral arrangement, which is presented to the team's manager before the beginning of every season. The blue-and-orange flowers are in the shape of a horseshoe, to represent good luck during the upcoming year.

On this day, new Mets' manager Terry Collins received the gift from a family that is synonymous with the franchise's existence. Members of the Shea family took part in the ceremony, maintaining the Mets' connection to the late Bill Shea, the New York lawyer responsible for bringing the team into the Major Leagues in 1962.

Mets' manager Terry Collins and Shea family members with the floral horseshoe

Next, it was time for another Opening Day tradition. Each team's entire roster -- from the starting lineup, all the way through the equipment managers -- are announced and brought onto the field. The Nationals, in their gray uniforms with navy blue, red and white trim, occupied the 3rd base line. The Mets, wearing their off-white pinstriped uniforms with blue-and-orange trim, set foot along the 1st base line.

The Mets and Nationals line up on the field for pre-game intros

With the Star-Spangled Banner about to take place, military service men and women walked a gigantic American flag across the outfield. Between the flag, and the players who were lined up along the infield...it was a moment that illustrated baseball as still being part of the national pastime.

A giant American flag makes its presence for the Star-Spangled Banner

Next, the Mets looked to their past to lead them into the future. Throwing out the ceremonial 1st pitch was Ralph Kiner, a Hall-of-Fame player who had been a member of the Mets' broadcast team since the franchise's inception. He had been a part of the Mets' 49 previous home openers...at the Polo Grounds, Shea Stadium and Citi Field. Kiner's throw would reach former Met and current coach Mookie Wilson on the fly, drawing a loud ovation from the sold-out crowd of 41,075.

Ralph Kiner throws a strike to Mookie Wilson

After all of the pre-game pomp and pageantry, the Mets would take the field as the home team for the 1st time in 2011.

The Mets take the field

R.A. Dickey would get the game started for New York, delivering the 1st pitch among a sea of flashbulbs to Nationals' shortstop Ian Desmond. A fly-out to the warning track, and the Mets' season at Citi Field was underway.

R.A. Dickey throws the 1st pitch at Citi Field in 2011

For many of the players, most of the Opening Day butterflies dissipate once the game gets started. The pitchers pitch, the hitters hit, the statistics count. It becomes just another contest in a 162-game marathon.

Eventually, it turns into a normal baseball game

As I watched from Section 516, the Nationals would get the better of the Mets, winning 6-2. Fireballing 24-year-old Jordan Zimmermann outpitched the knuckleballer Dickey, and knocked in the 1st two runs of the game with a bloop single to right field in the 2nd inning.

Mets' fans hoped for a better Opening Day result

While Mets' fans left Citi Field disappointed in the game's result, there was still that comfort that baseball was back for yet another year. Day-in and day-out for roughly the next six months, the Mets will take the field -- both at home and on the road. It's the only professional sport where there is that constant daily presence, giving the fans an extra connection with their team and its players.

Opening Day is not about the game, but rather a celebration of the sport itself. Baseball dates back to at least the 1800s...and while the rules, teams and players have changed over the years, its fundamental aspects remain roughly the same.

Welcome back!

Back for another baseball season

Dubie Does It

The National Hockey League's regular-season wraps up this weekend, opening the door to one of the most exciting times of year...the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Today, this blog entry reflects upon the most nerve-wracking regular-season game I've ever attended...


Do or die.

For the 2006-07 New York Islanders, their season would be defined by a single game -- the last game of the regular-season. Win, and the Islanders would overcome the many naysayers who picked them to finish dead-last in the league -- by qualifying for the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. A loss, and their season would be over -- a dream unfulfilled.

The Islanders carried no expectations into the 2006-07 season

If you believed the hockey experts who made their preseason predictions, the Islanders weren't even supposed to have this opportunity. On paper, they had a weak offense, a below-average defense, and mediocre goaltending. Many felt that the Islanders would be out of playoff contention by March...and by virtue of their failures, would end up with the #1 overall draft pick for the next season.

Off the ice, question marks surrounded the franchise, as well. Ted Nolan, who hadn't coached in the NHL since 1997, was hired during the summer of 2006 to serve behind the Islanders' bench. Occupying the general manager's chair was Garth Snow, the Isles' backup goalie the previous year. The perception of instability in the front office aided the negative view of the on-ice product.

Ted Nolan was given the Islanders' head coaching reins in 2006-07

The outside criticism produced an unintended effect -- the Islanders rallied behind each other. Playing free-and-loose during the course of the season, the team used the doubts as motivation to play above-and-beyond expectations. For most of the year, the Isles played .500-or-better hockey, placing them in contention to reach the Eastern Conference playoffs for the first time in 3 years.

With 4 games remaining in the regular-season, however, the Islanders were still on the outside looking in. They would have to win every game and get some outside help to reach the playoffs.

Fortunately for the Isles, the stars seemed to align in aiding their faint playoff hopes. After rallying for victories over the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers...the Islanders had to win their final game against the New Jersey Devils to qualify for the post-season.

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It was a chilly afternoon on April 8th, 2007 -- Easter Sunday. The Islanders converged on the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey for the final day of the NHL's regular season and a matchup with the New Jersey Devils.

For the Devils, the game was essentially meaningless. They had already secured the Eastern Conference's #2 seed, allowing an opportunity to rest players before the playoffs got underway.

Only the Devils knew their post-season fate as this game got underway

The Islanders were looking to take advantage of the situation. Their regular-season record was 39-30-12, good for 90 points. To reach the playoffs, however, the Isles needed 92 points -- nothing less would work. Any win -- in regulation, overtime, or a shootout -- would set the Islanders up with a 1st round matchup against the #1 seed Buffalo Sabres. Any kind of loss would leave the Islanders out of the post-season mix.

For me, it was a matter of being in the right place at the right time. I am an Islanders' fan; my best friend is a Devils' fan. Every year, we attend at least one Islanders-Devils game together for cameraderie's sake...and this happened to be the game that we chose months beforehand. Sitting in Section 231, I was hopeful that the Islanders would clinch a playoff berth in front of my very eyes.

With so much at stake, many other Isles' fans trekked across the Hudson River from New York. Almost half of the 18,111 in attendance at Continental Airlines Arena was donning Islander orange-and-blue.

A big crowd gathered at the Meadowlands for the Easter Sunday matchup

Seemingly inspired by the show of support, the Islanders controlled the game's early pace. Midway through the 1st period, forward Richard Park would beat Devils' backup goalie Scott Clemmensen to give the Isles a 1-0 lead!

While Devils' fans sat and watched the events unfold with a relatively indifferent disposition, Islanders' fans were intensely witnessing one of the most important regular-season games in franchise history. Every shot, every save, every face-off and every hit took on a deeper meaning.

Whenever the puck entered the defensive zone, Islanders' fans became nervous

The Islanders would maintain their 1-0 advantage throughout the 2nd period and into the 3rd. With almost 12 minutes remaining, Park scored his 2nd goal of the game! New York now led 2-0, and every second that ticked from the clock would bring the Islanders closer to an unlikely Stanley Cup Playoff appearance.

Of course, every second that remained on the clock lasted excruciatingly too long for Islander fans. While some were confident that the two-goal lead would hold up, others wondered if it was too good to be true.

Qualifying for the playoffs would not be this easy

With less-than five-minutes remaining, the score remained the same. My stomach was churning; I would not feel comfortable until the Islanders' win was official. During the commercial stoppage, my best friend says, "How about we make this game interesting? The Devils come back and tie it up in the last minute...then you can win in overtime or something. Wouldn't that be better?" My simple response -- "No!!!"

Unfortunately, the Islanders seemed willing to oblige. Roughly 30 seconds after play resumed, forward John Madden scored on a deflection to make the score 2-1. The Devils were on the board...and their fans -- lifeless throughout the game -- now had a reason to cheer.

The Devils put the Islanders on their heels late in the 3rd period

The Devils seemed determined to keep the Islanders out of the post-season party...outhustling their opponents and peppering goalie Wade Dubielewicz with challenging shots. Dubielewicz -- the Islanders' 3rd string goalie who was called into action during the season's final week -- made the saves and kept his team in front.

In the game's final minute, the Devils pulled their goalie for the extra attacker. The Islanders still held a 2-1 lead. A trip to the playoffs was mere seconds away. The Devils were buzzing on the offensive end like they were the ones playing for their post-season lives. Finally, with :00.8 seconds left, John Madden stuffed the puck past the outstretched arm of Dubielewicz and into the net!

John Madden's last-second, game-tying goal nearly broke the Islanders' hearts

Suddenly, the lead was gone. The Islanders were less-than one-second away from a playoff berth. Now, they were potentially minutes away from one of the most devastating defeats in franchise history.

Throughout the 5-minute overtime period, the thousands of Islanders' fans in attendance sat in stunned silence. The absolute worst was now expected. Blowing a two-goal lead in the final five minutes was bad enough...but to do so when your team was playing for everything -- and the other team was playing for little more than pride -- is nearly tragic.

Overtime -- next goal wins

On the ice, the Islanders remained composed...playing a balanced overtime and outshooting the Devils 3-2 in the brief period. Still, neither team could light the goal lamp...and the game was tied at 2 as it went to a shootout.

A trip to the playoffs now essentially rested on the shoulders of the 5'10" Dubielewicz. The man affectionately nicknamed "Dubie" by his Islander teammates was playing in only his 17th NHL game. He was pressed into action earlier in the week after starting goalie Rick DiPietro suffered a concussion...and backup Mike Dunham was ineffective between the pipes.

Wade Dubielewicz became famous during the last week of the 2006-07 season

The Islanders were up 1st as the shootout got underway. Forward Miroslav Satan beat Clemmensen with a wrist shot to put the Isles on the board. Devils' forward Zach Parise responded with a shootout goal of his own. That was followed by a goal from Islanders' forward Viktor Kozlov. The Islanders now held a 2-1 lead in the extra session.

Viktor Kozlov's shootout goal would loom large

After Brian Gionta's shootout attempt was stymied by Dubielewicz, the Islanders had a chance to clinch a playoff spot if Ryan Smyth could score. Clemmensen would block Smyth's shot away, however, giving the Devils one last hope.

Brian Gionta is denied by Dubielewicz in the shootout

As Sergei Brylin began skating toward the Islanders' net with the puck, everyone inside Continental Airlines Arena was standing. The crowd was abuzz...Devils' fans were hoping that Brylin could extend the game. Islanders' fans watched nervously, hoping that the diminutive Dubielewicz could stand tall when it mattered most.

Brylin carried the puck into the Islanders' zone, one-on-one against Dubielewicz. As Brylin started to set up for a backhand shot, the Isles' goalie suddenly lunged forward with his stick. It was a do-or-die play...if Dubielewicz made contact with the puck, the game would be over and the Islanders would make the playoffs. If he missed, it would be an easy goal for Brylin.

The play happened in a split-second, yet it felt like it was moving in slow-motion for the thousands in attendance. Dubielewicz knocked the puck away from Brylin's stick...the Islanders won!

The poke check heard 'round Long Island

In the stands, New York fans were delirious in their happiness, accepting congratulatory handshakes from gracious Devils' supporters. On the ice, the Islanders reacted like they won the Stanley Cup itself...mobbing Dubielewicz in celebration of the historic victory.
 

The Islanders were overjoyed at making the playoffs

As they skated off the ice to continue the festivities in the visitor's locker room, many of the Islanders' players pointed at those wearing blue-and-orange, to express their thanks for the in-person support. It was a moment of pride for a franchise that had experienced so much frustration and heartbreak in recent years.

More celebratory moments on the ice

Although the New York Islanders would be eliminated by the Buffalo Sabres in a 5-game Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series, the season could be viewed as a success by their fans. Not only did the Isles prove their doubters wrong by avoiding last place in the NHL, they qualified for the post-season in one of the most thrilling ways imaginable.

It took 82 games, plus overtime and a shootout -- but the Islanders did it

Final (Four) Destination

Sometimes the most memorable seasons are also the most unexpected ones.

Despite a #11 preseason ranking by the Associated Press, the 2010-11 Kentucky Wildcats' basketball team faced a rebuilding year by their standards.

The Wildcats are still in the hunt for the national championship

The 'Cats lost nearly 87% of the scoring from a team that went 35-3 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight the previous year. They lost 4 key contributors to the NBA, and 3 others to graduation. To win this season, Kentucky would have to rely heavily on its strong recruiting class, and throw its freshmen right into the fire. It was a sink-or-swim scenario.

The Wildcats get loose prior to the game

Kentucky's youngsters proved that they were up to the challenge, going 22-8 during the regular season while dominating opponents within the friendly confines of Rupp Arena. Still, the Wildcats showed some vulnerability...recording a 10-6 Southeastern Conference record, and a disappointing 4-7 road record.

Kentucky overcame some road struggles this season to land in the Elite Eight

The 'Cats picked the right time of year to get hot, however...winning the SEC Tournament in convincing fashion at Atlanta's Georgia Dome. The proof that they could win games away from Lexington helped them earn a #4 seed in the NCAA Tournament's East Region.

Conquering March Madness would not be an easy task for the Wildcats in that particular bracket...as it included #1 overall seed Ohio State, along with perennial college basketball stalwarts North Carolina and Syracuse. Kentucky even faced some tough tests during their early-round games in Tampa, defeating Princeton in the final seconds, and then topping West Virginia to advance to the East Regional in Newark, New Jersey.

Inching closer to the Final Four

As you read in this blog's previous entry, Kentucky pulled off a dramatic upset over Ohio State in the Sweet 16. That sent the Wildcats to their 2nd consecutive Elite Eight...and a surprise trip to the Final Four loomed if they could top the North Carolina Tar Heels.

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It was a chilly, but gorgeous Sunday afternoon outside Newark's Prudential Center. There was a steady build of excitement throughout the day, as two of college basketball's elite programs were getting set to square off -- with a Final Four spot at stake.

A Carolina blue sky above the Prudential Center gave way to a Kentucky blue night

Little-by-little, the FanFest area next to the arena became crowded with fans wearing Carolina light blue and Kentucky royal blue. Wildcats' and Tar Heels' supporters were joyous to be in this situation...having overcome tremendous odds to make it this deep into the NCAA Tournament.

The FanFest is filled with Kentucky and North Carolina supporters

After posting a 24-6 regular-season record in the rugged Atlantic Coast Conference, North Carolina was selected as the East Region's #2 seed. The Tar Heels -- like Kentucky -- was relying on younger players to be successful. All five starters were underclassmen, led by freshman guard Harrison Barnes and junior center Tyler Zeller.

Only the Tar Heels stood in the way of Kentucky's 14th Final Four appearance

Many thought North Carolina was overrated for March Madness...but tournament wins over Long Island, Washington and Marquette placed them one victory away from a trip to Houston.

Inside the Prudential Center, the Tar Heels enjoyed a home-court edge in terms of fan support. The majority of those in the sold-out crowd of 18,278 was decked out in Carolina blue...but as the game got underway, it was Kentucky fans who supplied most of the cheers.

UNC had the majority of fan support for this game

If the Wildcats were due for a letdown following their shocking win over Ohio State on Friday night, they certainly didn't show it.

Kentucky's high-low screen offense baffled the Tar Heels throughout the game

Playing tenacious defense and running precision offensive sets, Kentucky established a lead that would last throughout the 1st half. The Wildcats outplayed and outhustled the Tar Heels, giving them a 38-30 lead heading into halftime.

The Wildcats' tough defense helped establish an 8-point halftime lead

Despite the deficit, many North Carolina fans remained confident. Kentucky essentially dominated the opening 20 minutes of play...yet only held an 8-point advantage. The Tar Heels had become known for their 2nd half runs this season...so another hot streak was possible.

UNC head coach Roy Williams wasn't pleased with his team's 1st half play

For most of the 2nd half, Kentucky kept North Carolina at arm's length. Anytime the Tar Heels would score a couple of consecutive hoops to tighten the score, the Wildcats would answer with a big basket. Those clad in royal blue were beginning to see realistic visions of a Final Four appearance.

Kentucky fans were hoping to make travel plans to Houston

With 5 minutes remaining, however, North Carolina made its move. What was a 8-point Wildcats' lead was reduced to 5 points...then 3 points...then 1 point!

A reverse-layup by Harrison Barnes helped spark a Carolina comeback

With 3:18 remaining, a made free-throw by Tyler Zeller tied the game at 67. North Carolina had scaled the mountain...but this was Kentucky's night.

UNC fought back to tie the game, but couldn't get over the hump

The Wildcats finished the game on a 9-2 run, including a clutch 3-pointer by DeAndre Liggins with less-than a minute left. As the final seconds ticked away, the Kentucky players and their fans celebrated. The 'Cats were headed to the NCAA Final Four, with a 76-69 victory.

DeAndre Liggins' 3-pointer helped seal a Kentucky trip to the Final Four

Following the game, the Wildcats were awarded with their East Regional Champions t-shirts, caps, and trophy. While many North Carolina fans headed for the Prudential Center exits, nearly all Kentucky fans remained at their seats...absorbing the reality of their team's first Final Four appearance since 1998.

Your NCAA East Regional champions

While the focus was on the Kentucky players at the mid-court stage, a ladder -- fittingly, royal blue in color -- was placed beneath one of the baskets. It was there that the Wildcats would commemorate their regional title by cutting down the net -- continuing a long-standing college basketball tradition.

The net comes down in Newark

After the net-cutting ceremony, Kentucky supporters added some championship gear of their own in the arena concourse. Concession stands were mobbed with fans who wanted to purchase the same t-shirts and caps that were worn by the Wildcats' players.

The concession stands were busy following Big Blue's big win

From the very first "Midnight Madness" practice at Rupp Arena in October 2010, an 8th NCAA basketball championship was a dream for the Kentucky Wildcats and their fans. Now, almost 6 months later...that dream is two wins away from coming true.

Next stop -- Houston