Brewers On Deck

Brewers Opening Day is a big event in Milwaukee. This Monday, April 3 the Brewers will face off against the Pittsburg Pirates in their season opener at Miller Park.

Going to Opening Day has become tradition for me the past few years, but unfortunately this year, I'm unable to go. I'm not even that big of a baseball fan, but there's just something really exciting about Opening Day. Sure, it may be freezing out, but it's still somewhat of a kick-off to summer, and the flowing drinks and the tailgating and the camraderie, along with the first Sausage Races and singing of "Roll Out the Barrel" all make for a fantastic day. Not to mention the fun feeling that comes with knowing that almost everyone in the ballpark that day is playing hookey from something - whether it be work, or school, or just everyday responsibilities. Yeah, come Monday, I'm going to be trying really hard not to think about all of this when I'm sitting at work.

I will, however, still be kicking off the Brewers' season this weekend - at the annual Brewers On Deck event at Miller Park on Sunday. It's a free event - which last year, drew some 15,000 fans - that begins at 10 a.m. All of the players on the Opening Day roster will be available to sign autographs and then they'll practice on the field from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m.

Dave and I went two years ago when the event was at Brookfield Square Mall, and Dave went last year with the kid he mentored, who got a huge thrill out of it. It's fun to hobnob with the players and there's always a lot of other stuff going on, too, like games and activities and contests. It's a great event for kids, and also for die-hard Brewers fans like my dear Dave.

If you're like me and can't get to the first game, consider taking in another game next week. The Brewers are doing their "5 County, 5 Day Celebration" April 4-9 in which fans who live in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Washington and Waukesha counties can buy tickets for half-price at the box office.