Westsidewill - Wild Off The Air

Today is the somewhat-unofficial opening day of the 2008 baseball season and a day that also serves as the somewhat-unofficial first true day of spring. Yes, I know that March 20 is the real first day of spring, but honestly, how often is the weather even remotely pleasant by then? Of course, one could argue that the weather is even worse today than it was a week ago.

Regardless, there is just a certain unequivocal mood that I am put in once the baseball season starts; everything feels right in the world. The sun shines brighter. The grass is greener. Beer tastes only half as gross as it usually does. Hot dogs instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano. Seriously though, is there another sporting event or holiday that puts us in a more optimistic mood than opening day of the baseball season?

I understand that we are all not sports fans of equal level; some people are fanatics, some people are casual fans, and some people aren’t fans at all. But for those people that care even a little, even have a team they root for, today is a day where no one is in last place. No one is 25 games out of first place with no chance at the postseason. No one has a key player out for the year with an injury. Everyone has a chance as of today. And that’s a good feeling. Check that, a great feeling. Isn’t equal opportunity what Tommy Jefferson wanted when he put his John Hancock on that Declaration of Independence? Better yet, isn’t that what John Hancock wanted when he put his John Hancock on it.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/15/Declaration_independence.jpg

Ok, I’m getting off topic, but I think you all understand what I’m getting at. Today is a day where we can afford to get swept up in optimism. And not even for just the baseball season, but for also perhaps the most important season: Speedo season. I know I like my chances of fitting into that baby blue Speedo. Am I right?

Ok, enough of that. Go out, enjoy the day and have a hot dog and cream soda on me. Well, not on me. Have them in honor of me.

Holy Cow!

Matt

The first time is uncomfortable for everyone.
I know it. You know it. We all know it. So let’s just make this as easy as possible. In fact, I’ll make the first move in case you’re not ready to.
We’re talking about me formally introducing myself right? Ok, here goes nothing.
Hello everyone, I’m Matt Lythberg. You may recognize me from such educational films as “Lead Paint: Delicious but Deadly” and “Here comes the metric system!” Seriously though, being the new full-time blogger for WestSideWill is a big job, too big for some people. Maybe that’s why they chose me; not only was it NOT too big for me, but I can also write full sentences that reflect rationalized thinking. It’s win-win for everyone! So allow me to tell you a little bit about myself.
I was born on a crisp autumn day on August 5, 1983 in Harvey, Ill. The birds were singing, the bees were buzzing. And then my mom spit me out. Growing up in the Chicago suburb of Naperville, I soon befriended the man many of you now know as the resident DJ for WSW, The Nooge. The Nooge is a charming individual, much unlike my brother (yes, my real brother) Dave the Intern. And no, that’s not his birth name.
I graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in journalism. If only they could see their prodigal son now…

My musical likes include Taking Back Sunday, Brand New, The Format, Deer and the Headlights and Minus the Bear, among others.

My favorite letter is X.

My favorite food is Lou Malnati’s deep-dish pepperoni pizza.

I don’t have a political affiliation, nor will I talk about anything related to politics.

I am a fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Denver Broncos.

I love sports, and welcome all sports-related conversations. Just don’t talk about soccer or tennis. Or maybe hockey.

I like to bowl .

I also like to dunk on miniature Nerf basketball hoops.

Well, I think that’s a pretty good start. I look forward to sharing my vast knowledge and wide array of opinions with all of you, and I look forward to your input.

Until next time,

Matt

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