That's right. It's baaack! Spring is here! How do we know? C'mon, take a look at the calendar! We hope spring is here.

Look out the window. Oh sure, I know there's the remnants of snow here and there but, the calendar says it's spring and most importantly, baseball is baaack!

That's right, major league baseball is back as well and to many of you that's a big thing. So what you say? This must be a generational thing. No way and here's why.

Spring has meant Easter, the return of the cherry blossoms, buds on the trees, blooming azaleas and forsythias, the greening of the grass, spring cleaning, yard work and the return of baseball. I can see it; I can feel it, I can smell it and, unfortunately, I'm doing it....the yard work that is...

Hope springs eternal...see there it is again! We are hoping against hope that this year is THE year. The end of the losing season for my favorite baseball team and to finally have their chance to get to the World Series.

Unfortunately, gone are the days of opening the morning paper to find out how your team has faired the first few days of the season, because in some areas, there is no morning paper. There seems to be too many other activities to focus on good ol' baseball. But those areas that have a daily paper, isn't it great to pick it up and see your team is already in first place. Ah yes, there is hope. Others, that do not have daily news, lest, we harken back to the days of old.

Baseball still thrives in many areas of the country with their passionate fan bases. This does not, for one moment, lessen the impact that other sports have in the springtime.

There is nothing better than a Saturday invitational track meet or softball or lacrosse tournament. The high level of play seen from visiting teams from other areas and states, with long storied and legendary histories, only makes us want to compete to be the best.

Nor does it diminish, the great opportunities to get outside from the bland atmosphere of inside tennis courts. It's awesome to spend a gorgeous Saturday morning, with the sun high in the sky and a slight chill in the air, playing singles and doubles for hours only to retire to lunch with bragging rights and a better preparation for next week's matches.

No, none of this soliloquy changes the participation in these great sports. It's just young and old; male or female; rich or poor; across denominations, cultures and ethnic backgrounds, we root for one baseball team. Spring gives us the fresh start to begin the chase anew. Each spring we start a new chase for the crown. It's hope.

I hope. I hope. I hope. Thank God for spring.

Interscholastic athletics; where hope is eternal.