March 31, 1998

Ladies and gentlemen, we're witnessing the birth of a franchise here at Tropicana Field, but the Detroit Tigers are playing the role of a rather impolite welcoming committee.

Wilson Alvarez, the Devil Rays' Opening Day starter, finds himself in quite a pickle. The Tigers are teeing off on him like he's throwing batting practice. Six runs across already, and - my goodness - nine hits in just over two innings of work. This isn't quite the debut Tampa Bay had in mind, I'm sure.

But hold on, folks. Even in the midst of this onslaught, we've just seen a piece of history. Wade Boggs, that maestro with the bat who's knocking on the door of 3,000 hits, has just christened this ballpark with its first home run. How fitting that it comes off the bat of a Florida native.

You know, as I watch this game unfold, I'm reminded of the 1962 Mets. Those lovable losers lost 120 games in their inaugural season. The Devil Rays might be hoping to avoid such a fate, but right now, trailing 11-6, they're getting a harsh lesson in big-league baseball.

Still, there's something magical about an expansion team's first game. The stands are full of wide-eyed fans, many seeing their first major league contest. They may be down, but they're not out. After all, in baseball, as in life, there's always tomorrow.

And who knows? Maybe years from now, some of these fans will tell their grandchildren, "I was there when it all began." Even if it began with a bit of a stumble.