APRIL 4

Today is opening day in Cincinnati.  It is a feast for this town.  No other city celebrates the beginning of the baseball season like Cincinnati does.

A big parade through the city is the highlight off of the field - from Findlay Market to the stadium.  Sweet Lou Piniella is the Grand Marshal this year.  It is the 96th time the season will be started with a parade - only the war years were skipped.  If the weather is good, I'll be there.

Once everyone is in the park, there might be a little less fun.  Las Vegas bookmakers have the Reds a 150-1 shot to win the World Series.  They have them set at 70-1/2 wins in the over/under betting.  You see, it takes about 90 wins to reach the playoffs.  It looks like our boys will be out-of-it long before September.

Our starting eight everyday players are not too bad.  If they stay healthy, we should be able to field with the best of them and swing the bats pretty well.  The pitcher staff, on the other hand, is made up of hopeful want-to-be's, rehabing journeymen and has-been old-timers.  If you go to the park this year, you should see a lot of runs scored.

Enjoy the season.  Play Ball!
*o*