BASEBALL SEASON officially has begun down at Fifth Third Field!! - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Setting records during Opening Day weekend sure is a great way to get things started for the Toledo Mud Hens. However, a 1-2 record might not be.

Being a former athlete myself at the University of Toledo, I can honestly say we have one of the nation's best fan bases, EVER!!! It is apparent at the high school level, apparent at the college level, and, after Friday's Opening Day showdown at Fifth Third Field, it is apparent that Toledo LOVES its Minor League Baseball team as well.  

Two LIVE bands, children's entertainment, the Opening Day Bash, and the launch of the new Mud Hens pregame show "Around the Bases" (located on the Club level, right behind home plate), attracted 13,227 fans. That's 27 more fans than the previous year's record. And what beautiful weather we had to add to the exciting baseball-filled weekend!

Now, as for the 1-2 finish against the Indianapolis Indians. It's not exactly what fans like to see, and something the Mud Hens Manager Phil Nevin, coaching staff, and players didn't want either. But, the one thing some may not understand about the game of baseball, especially at the pro level, is it's a LONG season. I'm not making excuses for the two losses, I'm just keeping it real.

With 143 games played throughout five+ months, there will be wins and there will be losses. That's the reality of sports.

Manager Phil Nevin said as much after Saturday night, when the Mud Hens lost a close one 8-7. He was able to see the bright side of his ball club: They will battle from start to finish. I have to admit, from the several years of being an athlete myself, effort is one part of the game a coach would rather not have to spend his time on. The Mud Hens showed they have that aspect of the game. Now it's ust a matter of getting the ball rolling. Like any team sport, chemistry, experience, and time with one another (both on and off the field) can be exactly what builds and produces a CHAMPIONSHIP team!!!

The Hens return to action for a four-game homestand Monday at 6:30pm vs the Louisville Bats, at home in front of their faithful Toledo fan base.

And for all you diehard Mud Hens/Tigers fans, if you make the trip downtown, you might just run into a familiar face: Tigers Manager Jim Leyland. Enough said. GO HENS!!!