Thoreau on Opening Day

Opening Day in Boston is tomorrow. It’s one of the most expensive and sought-after tickets in Boston history. They’re handing out the Championship rings, and in front of the Yankees no less. Reading Thoreau’s Journals, I came across this entry for April 10, 1856. I think it appropriate. For the first time in eighty-six years, the Boston Red Sox are receiving Championship rings. One-hundred and forty-nine years ago, Henry was looking at something similar.

Some fields are dried sufficiently for the games of ball with which this season is commonly ushered in. I associate this day, when I can remember it, with games of baseball played over behind the hills of Sleepy Hollow, where the snow was just melted and dried up…