By: Preston Young
If you haven’t gathered yet, I’m a sports buff. And this time of year? Well, it’s nothing short of magical. As March rolls around, there’s a buzz in the air – it’s March Madness season. College basketball takes center stage with its nail-biting finishes, and Cinderella stories that defy the odds. Whether you’re rooting for your alma mater or simply caught up in the madness of filling out brackets, there’s no denying the thrill of every buzzer-beater and upset.
Baseball season is also kicking off in style. The excitement is amplified as the MLB season is starting today, not in the familiar ballparks of the United States, but across the globe in Seoul, South Korea. What makes this even more captivating, is the timing. Due to the 13-hour time difference between Seoul and the Eastern Time Zone, the first pitch is scheduled for 6:05 a.m. Eastern Time. For die-hard fans like myself, this means setting the alarm clock a little earlier, brewing an extra pot of coffee, and eagerly anticipating the crack of the bat halfway across the world.
The MLB and its owner, who everyone has their own opinion on, have been making an effort over the years to bring its games to a broader audience and play games internationally. In addition to South Korea, the MLB will have games in Mexico City and London this year. It’s not just about the games though, it’s about sharing the love of baseball and Americas past time with others, hoping to inspire more people to get involved in the sport, whether by playing or watching.
Beyond college basketball and baseball, there’s a whole world of sports excitement happening right now. The NBA is in full swing, NASCAR season just started, hockey fans have plenty to cheer about too, with the NHL now in full swing, all while the NFL free agency frenzy has started, with players changing teams and signing new contracts.
In the end, whether it’s the madness of March or the crack of the bat, one thing remains constant – the joy and passion that sports bring into our lives. As a devoted fan, I look forward to times like these, even when my Red Sox don’t have huge aspirations heading into this year. I savor the highs and weather the lows, knowing that win or lose, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of being a part of something bigger than myself.
So here’s to March Madness and the sweet sound of baseball, to early morning games in Seoul and late-night nail-biters in the heart of America. As the seasons change and the games unfold, one thing is for certain – I’ll be right there in the stands, cheering on my teams because when it comes to sports, there’s no such thing as too much excitement, too many games, or too many memories made along the way. Let the games begin.
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