Whatever happened on Opening Day ....

I'll never forget Opening Day 1978. It was a great day. Unbelievable.

Some people said a 19 year old should bat first on Opening Day. Another said a guy almost 40 probably shouldn't be your starter the first game. Another person mentioned that Slerpie wouldn't cut it in the bullpen. "He's warshed up, ya know."

Opening Day is always a lot of fun. Especially in downtown Toledo.

Andy Powell led the game off for Toledo with a nice double to centerfield. He looks like a good player, even if he isn't even 20. He had two hits overall and played good defense. It's clear that he is comfortable on the team. Even if he is only 19.

Bill Coswell started for the Tigers and threw eight great innings, striking out nine and walking only one. He pitched well and looked solid for someone so close to 40. He is expected to be the ace of the staff and a mentor to the "kids." You know, Toledo has some 19 year old wunderkinds. Cos, as they call him, looked great.

To close the game out — and not even get a save — veteran lefty Billy Slerpie pitched six pitches in the ninth inning. He wasn't even hittable. He is pitching in the bullpen for the first time in years, but Maxwell has him convinced he's perfect for the "closer" role for the first time.

The highlight of the day, for me, was watching Rodney Hobbs display power, speed, and diligence. He batted five time, had five hits, three stolen bases, four runs scored, and three runs batted in. His box score is awesome for the opener. After the game, Maxwell told the men in the media:

"I'm not kidding you. He's the best player in the game. He's better than the rest. He can do things he doesn't even know yet. He's going to be the MVP. Look out."

He was not kidding. He was serious. He was staking a claim early.

To recap, Coswell pitched well, Slerpie pitched better, Powell slugged it hard, and Hobbs put an exclamation point on a victory. It would be the first of many, if you listened to Coach, er Manager Bobby Maxwell.

"It's gonna be fun, boys. It's gonna be fun," he said.