They are the two best words in the English language:
Pitchers and catchers.
Winter - even the mild one we've encountered so far - is over.
The Phillies squad reports to Clearwater today. First practice is tomorrow, and the first Grapefruit League game is on Feb. 23.
There is something magical, almost healing, about baseball.
Maybe because it was my first love, the game of my youth, the one I spent hours, many days literally sun up to sun down playing.
It's also easily the most cerebral of the sports, the designated hitter be damned.
But more than anything else, it's a guarantee that spring is around the corner.
Soon I will be ensconced on the back deck, a cool beverage in hand, Franzke and L.A. on the radio.
With just the darkness, the crickets and the endless stars in the sky above for company.
Bring on baseball.
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