Four words always lets me know that spring is close — “Pitchers and Catchers Report.”
It seems like the Major League Baseball season just ended. But already the pitchers and catchers of MLB teams have reported to camps across the country.
The best part about this four-word phrase is the temperatures start turning for the better.
If you haven’t noticed, or if you don’t ever go outside in the winter, the temperatures have already turned. I hope I don’t jinx it, but starting Friday, we could be getting four straight days in the 60s — in February.
The state wrestling tournament usually comes with cold temperatures and snow. This weekend, there will definitely be wrestling fans strolling into Wells Fargo Arena in shorts and T-shirts.
While we are still a little ways away from actual MLB games meaning anything, that four-letter phrase gets me fired up for the spring.
Spring time is one of the best times of year for me.
It has the NFL Draft. My San Francisco 49ers have a new coach and general manager and the No. 2 pick in the draft, so my attention to this event will mean a lot this season.
Spring also has March Madness. Those first full four games of basketball is the single best four-day stretch in sports.
Eventually baseball will be here again. Opening Day should be a holiday.
I saw Tuesday night on ESPN my Cincinnati Reds are one of three teams that have 300-1 odds to win the World Series. So you’re saying there’s a chance?
While the Reds’ young roster certainly won’t be competing for the World Series title, I don’t think they’ll be that bad. The 2017 season is setting up 2018, which could be the start of a turnaround.
The Reds have stockpiled prospects and they plan to unleash this talent in 2017 to see where they sit. If the young guys can produce around MLB MVP candidate Joey Votto, and the pitching staff shows a little promise, the Reds could get to .500. I truly believe they will be better than the pundits think.
Spring also is a time to get outside and enjoy warm weather.
My 4-year-old is chomping at the bit to get her toys out and play. She can’t wait until daddy pulls her around in her wagon. Or takes her and our dog for a walk.
She claims to love snow and rain but does not like cold weather. Go figure. I guess that’s why she’s four.
Warm weather also brings about the running season. I have already signed up for a race in May. I will be participating in the Market to Market Relay race.
Our eight-member team will begin the 75-mile trek from Jefferson to downtown Des Moines at around 6:15 a.m.
I have heard a lot about this race from a close friend who asked me to join his team this year. I drove by the relay race in Waukee last spring. It looks like a lot of fun.
Now all I have to do is find the time to train properly so I don’t make a fool of myself. That seems to be the toughest part for me these days.
Spring time also means the start of golf season. My brother and I have gotten more into golf in recent years. We have upgraded all of our stuff and, because my brother is a military veteran, we can golf in Newton for free. So that will be more on the schedule when the courses open for the season.
Get out and enjoy the weather this weekend while it’s here. This is Iowa after all. We could get a snowstorm next weekend.
Contact Troy Hyde
at thyde@newtondailynews.com