This is Beyond Baseball

Four years ago or so, I created a facebook group for my friends and me entitled, "Twins Ballpark Home Opener 2010." It was made around the time that the higher-ups of Hennepin County passed the 0.15 sales tax increase to fund an outdoor baseball park. The group was intended to get everyone excited about outdoor baseball in Minneapolis at Target Field, even though it was almost half a decade away.

A year ago or so, Major League Baseball debuted an advertising campaign which revolved around human interest aspects of different teams and players. I'll be honest, I get goosebumps every time I watch these commercials. It's now dawning on me that I will be a part of one of these moments tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m.

A month ago or so, I went to the open house at Target Field to check out the new surroundings of our hometown nine. The memories I took from that day had nothing to do with the beauty of the park or the unique amenities that it presents. It was the amount on smiles on each and every Minnesotan's face that was at Target Field.

It's not often that a person knows they are going to be witness to a historical moment. I have that opportunity tomorrow and I cannot tell you how excited I am. I am sure I am not alone in Twins Territory when I say it is going to be hard keeping my emotions together in the moments leading up to the first pitch. Just thinking about the prospect this weekend, I have been getting welled up about how special it is going to be.

This is beyond a ballpark. This is beyond baseball.