Yesterday was Opening Day for my Red Sox, a sad affair in which the team lost at Kansas City, 7-1. I turned on the radio at the office to listen while I worked and, as is my wont, had it on early enough for the National Anthem. To my shock and horror, the anthem was performed by REO Speedwagon, a band that had one decent album in my college years and hadn't been heard from since. I walked down the hallway to a colleague's office who, being of similar age and musical taste, I thought would appreciate the mildly humorous appearance. (Lo and behold, they also performed on the national TV opener the night before. Turns out they are issuing a new album.)

After the loss, my friend wrote to me:

Because the Kansas City Royals won the first game of the season, the following policy will be implemented:
(1) whenever the Royals steal a base, the song "Take It on the Run" by REO Speedwagon will be played
(2) whenever the opposition's starting pitcher is replaced, the song "Time for Me to Fly" by REO Speedwagon will be played
(3) whenever there is a rain delay, the song "Ridin' the Storm Out" by REO Speedwagon will be played and
(4) the circle road around the parking lots will be changed from Dubner Circle to Riverside Avenue, so we can play "157 Riverside Avenue" by REO Speedwagon as people exit the stadium.

The Hideki Okajima era has started in fine form. You might say Our Time is Gonna Come.

Labels: Red Sox, sports