Raise the Jolly Roger!

Even 17 consecutive losing seasons couldn't ruin today. Opening Day in baseball is like a national holiday, and that certainly is the case even in Pittsburgh where a winning season -- let alone a playoff appearance -- seems more elusive than finding a job in this economy.

After enumerating four people in Findlay Township this morning, I returned to my house to polish off some paperwork and sit down in front of the television to watch the game. Expectations couldn't be lower coming out of spring training, but it was exciting nonetheless. Then Garrett "The Legend" Jones crushed a couple of homers to lead a 11-5 rout against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are now a game above .500 and lead their division. It probably won't last longer than the end of the week, but we can dream, right? That's what makes Opening Day special.