I’ll be posting my observations today during and after the game–not so much about the game itself as about the carnival that surrounds it.

The pre-game was a bit more interesting than usual. Normally, participating in pre-game ceremonies is a favor shown to VIPs or sponsors.  Today Kid Rock was part of the ceremonial first pitch(es), along with three autoworkers representing beleagured Ford, GM, and Chrysler.

In the spirit of “we’re all in this together,” the GM Fountain in center field now displays Ford’s trademark blue oval as well as Chrysler’s pentastar…oddly enough, however, the shiny new GM cars normally displayed on ramps at the top of the fountain are MIA for Opening Day…

Before the game, a moment of silence was observed in memory of Hall of Famer George Kell. I wasn’t really a fan of Kell as a broadcaster, but I do have a funny story about him behind the mike I’ll squeez in a sthe game goes along.