Running the Bases with Alexandra Shloss: Game 1: Cubs v. Nationals

Cubs Opening Weekend in Wrigleyville is almost impossible to write about; I need to show you. You need to see the way the city wakes up, the way the people mill about in small clusters, wearing blue t-shirts and starry eyes, a cup of beer in one hand and hope in their hearts. There's still a chance, they seem to say. We could win it all this year. You need to be there to smell the rainy streets, to feel the brisk air and be bundled from head to toe in warm, soft clothes that will get you through nine innings. You need to stand beneath the red marquee that welcomes you to Opening Weekend, and you should definitely get a picture with all your friends. If you were there, you might be able to feel what I feel, the way my heart races as the gates are about to open, you need to follow me down to the baseline where I wait hungrily, hoping a player stops and signs an autograph and poses for a photo. You would hear Wayne Messemer sing the National Anthem. You would cheer at the first out and you would cheer at the first Cubs hit. You would know what it means to be alive.

My first game was not Opening Day, for I am not a millionaire. My baseball companion Angela had gone out to Wrigley after the game in the hopes of meeting some of the players. Of course, she did. I was jealous. So I arrived Saturday, April 7, at 10 a.m. in anticipation for the 1:05 start.

I love Wrigley. I love it more than any words could ever describe. And here I stood beneath a sign filled with players' pictures, players I didn't recognize. I had seen LaHair at the end of the past season, and he had won a game. I had told him, "We won by a LaHair!" But he had only smiled weakly and gotten in his truck and walked away. I also recognized Carlos Marmol, but he had never impressed me much. All I knew of David DeJesus was that Angela's frantic call had mentioned, "HE'S A MOOOOODELLLLLL!!!!"

Once in the park, I went over to the visitor's bullpen where Edwin Jackson was practicing. I had been a big fan of his when he was on the White Sox.

I didn't call anyone over to try to get autographs, which is weird for me. I have this streak of seven years going to games and getting autographs I didn't want to break. But it was early in the season and I will still getting my field legs.

I got my first glimpse of fan-favorite Reed Johnson.

And then--there he was. The one and only Stephen Strasburg, freshly healed from his Tommy John surgery. I got a bunch of pictures of him, but sadly this one is the best.

My heart immediately soared when I caught a glimpse of my favorite player, Darwin Barney.

Darwin had always been pretty great to me and Angela.

I really did feel welcomed to my favorite place ever.

And here is something new--An LCD screen. From the controversy surrounding it, I thought it would be an enormous eyesore. But it was small and adorable.

Here are some adorable brothers enjoying their first game and hoping a National would come by and sign. And actually they were fighting the entire time.

A lot of people don't know this, but the Miller advertisement seen in the park changes every time a new team comes to town. I always take a photo. Some of them are pretty creative.

I'm pretty sure I got a few autographs, but after batting practice I went over to the Cubs side. Angela and I were pretty pumped to be at our first game of the year.

I always find Geovany Soto's catching gear robotic and awesome.

I got my first glimpse of one of my favorite Cubs, Marlon Byrd.

Then I saw Joe Mather. Later in my season, Joe Mather would prove to play an important part. But at this time, he was an unknown handsome man.

The new screen showed the day's matchup.

Here's Starlin Castro, who everyone just thinks is the salvation of the Cubs, being harassed by Byrd.

Here I also got my first glimpse of the man who would become my favorite player--Steve Clevenger.

Also, Alfonso Soriano, who I had pretty much no use for. He would prove me wrong.

Starlin Castro

Now, Angela had been to Cubs Convention, and she knew EVERYONE on the team. She called Steve Clevenger over and they began to talk.

I liked him immediately. For one, he was awesome to Angela and acted like they were best friends.

For two, he was funny and gracious and let us ask him a thousand questions. This is the first of many many many pictures we took together.

The game was about to start. Garza was finishing warmups.

I always love when the pitcher and the catcher are done warming and walk back together.

The infamous rookie backpack, now being worn by Lendy Castillo.

Joe Mather, nice guy always.

Now the game was underway. I got my first glimpse of the Nationals, I team I secretly rooted for if they were playing anyone but the Cubs. Strasburg looks to be Cy Young, Jr., and I had been following Bryce Harper, though not in the majors yet. I also liked many of the players, particularly Ryan Zimmerman, who I affectionately refer to as Zims.

The first run came when Joe Mather, who, like I said, I would grow to adore, scored on a wild Gio pitch.

I like to take a picture of the scoreboard when the Cubs are winning, because you never know how long it will last.

Oh, and here's vendor Mike. He's a colorful creature. You'll see him outside as well, selling at a stand right by the Ron Santo statue.

Anyway, in the fourth inning, Adam LaRoche homered for two runs. But Reed Johnson answered back with a two-run triple, because, let's face it, he's a bo$$.

Then Mather (love) singled to bring home Johnson.

We were pretty excited. Could our first game be a win? We thought yes. We're up 4-2, and it's the fifth inning, and life is good.

Well, things got hairy after Garza left.

First Rafael Dolis came in. Now, I really enjoy Rafael, or as I like to call him, Raffle Ticket. And he didn't give up any runs.

Anyway, seventh inning stretch brought old pal Jody Davis.

Kerry Wood came on in the 8th. Welp.

Now, understand that I am a super-big Kerry Wood fan. But also understand that after him, we resorted to Marmol.

By the bottom of the ninth inning, we were down 7-4. Shawn Camp also contributed, but I really blame Marmol. Shawn Camp was a welcome sight and would prove to be a great hold man for the Cubs.

I would also like to take this time to introduce you to Danny. He is the best usher at Wrigley.

And the guy sitting on the far left is Paco. He works security for the visitor's bullpen. He's great.

I want to take this opportunity to show you some of the many faces of David DeJesus.

Okay, done.

Another bright spot in the game involved sitting next to this attractive gentleman visiting from Spain. We became good friends. That's what I love about baseball. Even if I go alone, I leave with friends.

Ian Stewart entered the game for Joe Mather. Ian and I have a complicated history.

Something to remember about Angela is that she started the season in love with Anthony Rizzo. He didn't start the season with the team but he comes later--don't worry.

And I swear Chris Martin from Coldplay was there!

Well, try as they might, they didn't win. But I did get to see my old friend Blake DeWitt.

So they lost, 7-4. But the good news is, they didn't lose many others that Angela and I attended.

After the game, Angela and I waited inside for autos and meet and greets. First out was the fabulous Ryan Dempster. I got some pictures of him that aren't creepy, but this one is my favorite

Then out came Carlos Marmol.

I saw this guy earlier, and I thought, he looks like he could be related to Matt Garza. Turns out it was his bro.

Steve signed again. Nicest guy in baseball.

Meanwhile, across the street this guy had a bullhorn out of this window and he was saying obscene things about the Cubs. Why would you live in Wrigleyville if you feel that way?