Oh Baseball, I've Been a Wreck Without You, But Now That You're Back...

Oh baseball, ever since you've been gone, I've been a wreck. Biting my nails here, rolling up into fetal position in my closet there. I was confused on what to do.

Since you've been gone, I've watched the last out on October 29, 2008, 273,572 times just hoping that that single moment in time could repeat itself again, and again, and again.

I've listened to Harry Kalas' call of the World Series winning pitch every day.

I've been extremely into the Flyers and Eagles like I always a,, but felt the most excitement when Spring Training came along.

I've thought about those cold late-October nights, wishing I could relive them all over again. And again. And again.

And again.

Since you've been gone, I've watched ESPN only one time, mostly because my television screen was forever shattered by the remote hurtling towards the screen after hearing their incorrect analysis of Chase Utley's hip surgery.

I've watched the Phillies 2008 Video Yearbook twice a week just to make sure I would never forget.

I've given Shane Victorino the official title of being my favorite Phillie of all-time.

I've been to Clearwater to see you in action once again, yet I didn't feel that authentic baseball feeling.

But now that you're back, I have found myself again.

Giving Pat Burrell a standing ovation, applauding the World Champion Phillies back at Citizens Bank Park for the first time since October 29, 2008, and cheering louder than I have ever cheered at an On-Deck Series game before has alerted me that yes, you, the game of baseball, are back.

The smell of the dirt, the crack of the bat, the smack of a glove; it's all coming back to me.

For the first time since September, I was there. I was within ten feet of your great sport.

I felt like an addict who gave into his desires, yet in a good way—scratch that, a tremendously amazing way.

The weather was perfect, the game was entertaining, and the Phillies walked it off in style.

The large crowd was loud and into the game the entire way, something unusual in an exhibition game. But this was not really an exhibition game. At least it didn't feel like it.

It felt like a welcome back game.

Welcome back to Pat Burrell. Welcome back to the World Champions. Welcome back to the runner-up. Welcome back to the fans.

Most importantly, welcome back to baseball.

Oh yes, it was quite the event.

Oh baseball, since you've been gone, I've checked every night just to make sure you really were gone, just in case you weren't. Every night, your let me down with that empty scoreboard.

But now that you're back, I can live again. We can all live again, because hey, it's baseball season.

And when you look back on it, what else is there in life?

Not much.

Oh baseball, since you've been gone, I've missed you dearly.

But now that you're back, I'm me again.

And what a great feeling it is. What a great feeling it is...