#30. Go to Cardinals Opening Day
When I was a little boy, I remember sitting down in front of the television and being in awe of the spectacle that baseball opening day brought out. Growing up near St. Louis, Cardinal baseball was more than a mere game, it was religion. I never went to more than a few games a year until after moving into the city and having the convenience of living so close. I've written before about how I love this game and how the excitement of a new season inspires me. With that said, it was a no-brainer to add Opening Day to my list to help ring in the annual return to baseball.
I couldn't have asked for a better day. The sky was clear, the sun was out, and temperatures reached into the 80's. I had gotten my buddy Aric and I bleacher seats and we were within shouting distance from our other friends that were at the game as well. We arrived downtown a little past 10 a.m. and walked around the various opening day rallies and ceremonies that took place. After enjoying a few pre-game cocktails, we headed inside for the unveiling of the hometown team. 
We witnessed the usual parade of Cardinals, past and present, that I've seen so many times before on TV. The parade along the outfield and infield walls got off to a start with the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales. They were impressive to see in person. Next, the Cardinal hall of famers drove by one-by-one. They were met at homeplate by the greatest of them all, Stan Musial. 
The players came out too, offering their waves and smiles as they passed by. It's always a cool experience when you can see your favorite players up close and personal. As the players lined up along the foul lines for the singing of the national anthem, I thought to myself: "This is America."
The game itself was all I could ask for as a Cardinals fan. Wainwright threw 8 shutout innings, Albert hit a 3-run home run, and the bullpen didn't give up a run. The bleacher seats were hot, but a ton of fun hearing the conversations and the heckling take place.After the game we all went out to Hrabosky's and then Shannon's for post-game celebration. It was the end to a great day with great friends. It's something that I will remember for a long time and hope to do again.
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