ST PAUL, Minn. — Opening Day in St. Paul is finally here, after the remnants of last week's winter weather caused delays and reschedules for the St. Paul Saints.
"We love coming to baseball games together," Cullen Wiley, standing alongside three friends, said. "What a better way to spend a Saturday in March and in the holiday weekend here and be able to spend time, cheer on the Saints?"
The Saints home opener was originally scheduled for Friday, but remnants of snow – an oddity this winter – left the field covered and unplayable.
"Spring baseball is always a challenge in Minnesota," Derek Sharrer, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Saints, said. "We got hit by upwards of 16 inches of snow toward the end of last week and early this week."
If Mother Nature's a baseball fan, then this was certainly a curveball – and it's not the first time this has happened. Last year, Opening Day was also delayed.
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"Mother Nature, two, Saints, zero over the last two years on Opening Day," Sharrer said. "So frustrating for sure, but not unexpected."
For fans at the game, though, the delays didn't matter – just being back at the game did.
"I get to watch baseball, that's the most fun of it all," stadium attendant Jim Field said. "The baseball's really good, and it's just a fun place to be."
"Jair Camargo gave me his shin guard last year, so he's pretty cool," James, a young fan with his friends, said.
Some, here for what's on the concourse, not just on the field.
"I'm ready for eating any hot dog right now," Gabriel Johnson said. "Get that grilled onion in me!"
The Saints hit multiple home runs and beat the Columbus Clippers 8-2.
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