First impressions and opening day aren’t the same thing. At least the Cubs hope that’s true having started out 0–2 in Japan. Of course, some of us are taking the two losses more personally. We also look for tendencies, overlooking the negatives and digging deeply for positives. It’s all we have. The only comic strip that talked about Opening Day was The Born Loser, which I’ve linked to.

Even though I’m on spring break I had no intention of attending a game on opening day. I’ve never attended a White Sox home opener, nor do I foresee one in my future. They were never my team so there isn’t the sentimental attachment.

That being said, 130% of my attention is focused on baseball today. Opening Day in Chicago is a young fan’s game. I can remember attending opening day with Bob Sr. a few times in the mid-80’s but have no lasting memories. And without consulting an online site I’m pretty sure the weather was mediocre to lousy. After a few attempts we realized there was no benefit in attending.

However, I do recall attending OD in 1980 because my buddy, Ed and I sorta skipped school to sit in the lower boxes at Wrigley. I say “sorta” because we had my parents’ permission to miss school so we could see the Mets and Cubs. Through a little skullduggery, we got the okay from school. I know the weather was especially miserable that day, but it didn’t deter us from enjoying the adventure. Anything was better than sitting in classes that day.

As I grew older, I realized attending OD at Wrigley was less about the baseball and more about the pre and postgame celebrating in Wrigleyville. Those not of drinking age figure OD is the perfect chance to challenge the system and find the spot to hoist a few.

Save for the early games in Japan, everyone starts the season with a clean slate. I don’t think anyone in Chicago believes the White Sox are going to hit 60 wins, but there’s no guarantee they won’t. Hope springs eternal for most of us. Every team will hit certain mileposts throughout the season to gauge likely success or failure.

Whether they articulate it or not, every fan looks to OD for signs of what is to come in the upcoming season. We’re supposed to take things in stride because the 162-game season is a marathon and not a sprint. Yet. sane people talk about an early loss potentially being what separates their team from making the postseason.

I’m as certain that some really big stars will go 0-for today and string together a few more before they get it right. I’m willing to bet there will be a few unlikely Tuffy Rhodes and Sixto Lezcano’s who go crazy today. Even if it’s only a blip on the season, I’d prefer more of the latter rather than the former.

If you are braving the elements today, good luck! If you’re watching or listening from afar like me, I hope you enjoy the broadcast. It should be a fun season.

The Born Loser by Art and Chip Sansom for March 27, 2025 – GoComics