I woke up today, a holiday weekend morning and realized something through the early rising sun glow. It was spring, and not just the fact the temperature was now finally above the temperature that could sustain freezing water, but there was the unmistakable feeling that is a mixture of inner-giddiness and excitement of being inhibited.  Granted, it took till Memorial Day weekend for it to arrive but by golly, spring is here and time for me to enjoy one of the greatest gifts we all have…baseball!!!

A few fleeting moments with my inner psyche quickly reveals my passion is baseball (with apologies to my future first wife and any unborn children I may have with said partner) and all of its sights, sounds and subsequent smells. Maybe it’s the fact I grew up in the shadows of Cooperstown, NY, or that my father was a decent college pitcher and nepotism took hold, or that it was the only sport a “husky” child like me was good at in high school, or it could be a myriad of other factors. Anyway, I love baseball as much as anyone can love an inanimate object and this is the best time of the year.

My beloved New York Yankees are poised to turn around their season yet again (and I’m no bandwagon driver…I remember Matt Nokes and Kevin Maas and the lean years of the 80s), and the local Northwoods League Eau Claire Express are getting set to deliver their first pitch in 2008. As some of the readers here likely know, I’m the radio voice of the Express on Moose Country 106.7, and in fact, it’s the Express that brought me to the Chippewa Valley from North Dakota to work in this town, a decision I only briefly regret when I realize the region lacks a Chipotle (but makes up for with a Fazolis).

Now, I also know many of the readers here aren’t necessarily dyed in the wool sports fans, and would more than likely choose an evening of classical music over sampling a greasy brat while listening to Metallica music serenade from the speakers at a ballpark and that is fine. However, I want to take this opportunity to give everyone who IS NOT a sports fan three reasons why to attend a game this summer at Carson Park.

1)      Support local events:  The same argument those who advocate the performing arts and culture in the region holds true with the Express. Granted, the Express might not be as “artsy” as listening to the C.V. symphony combine numerous instruments into a pleasing three-hour tone, but its still a performance meant to entertain the local populace. It adds to the quality of life and just like having a symphony, coffeehouses and museums, its something potential business owners look at when deciding in the region is a place to move their organization (and its employees).

2)      Be Seen: Express games are seen by over 2,000 fans nightly, many of whom are the heavy hitters in the region with varying levels of “pull.” Come to a game and bring along a few business cards as the person sitting next to you could be your next major client.

3)      Cheap: Even if the cost of driving to the park is factored in, going to just two games all summer would only set an individual back $30 and that assumes they buy food and maybe even an unnecessary souvenir. The games are cheap entertainment for a few nights out of the summer and a way to unwind and escape from the “outside” world.

For a complete schedule and more information, go to eauclaireexpress.com