You know it’s officially spring when the first round of the Masters is played and we have Major League Baseball's opening day. I did not think baseball was going to start this early because of the lockout that thankfully ended at the last moment. As a lifelong baseball fan, I am quite happy to have a full season to watch.
There is one specific big rule change. For the foreseeable future, we will have the designated hitter in the National League. I did not think I would like this new rule, but I have changed my mind, because too many pitchers get hurt running on the bases and there are very few pitchers that have been good hitters in the recent past. The Phillies’ 2022 batting order is receiving a lot of hype. I hope the team can get off to a good start in the first month, so us fans can remain positive about the season.
The Masters golf tournament is underway. As everyone knows, if they follow my articles, this is my favorite event of the year to watch. I was also quite surprised when Tiger Woods decided to try to play this year, mostly because of how hilly the Augusta National golf course is. He is currently doing very well at one-under par through the first round. I don’t think he’s going to win this year because of the time off from playing, but I think he can finish in the top 25, which would be very impressive. I am surprised that the leader right now is only at five-under par. The Augusta weather forecast for the rest of the week is going to be cold and windy for this time of year. But it's a great event regardless, and I will be watching.
The men’s NCAA Final Four lived up to the hype. Kansas, the eventual champions, dominated Villanova in the first semifinal game by 16 points. The Duke-North Carolina semifinal game had almost 20 lead changes. North Carolina won by four points in the end. In the final, Kansas came back to win the championship in what was the biggest second-half comeback in tournament history. They were down by 15 points and came back to win by three. That was impressive!
The women's NCAA Final Four was just as exciting. Congratulations to South Carolina who beat UConn by 15 for their second championship in the last five years. UConn had never lost a championship game in its 11 prior appearances.
Here's to nicer weather and being able to get out and enjoy all the sports this season brings.
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A 2002 Cape grad and 2007 UD grad, Lewes resident Sumner Spence is one of the Cape area's biggest sports fans. Although he’s used a wheelchair his entire life, he has lived vicariously through his sports-playing father, brother, and friends, who gave him his love of sports. He hopes to provide new and interesting perspectives on the sports stories and issues of the day. Email Sumner at sumspence@gmail.com.
