No holiday for Opening Day
With due respect to beloved Hall of Fame St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Ozzie Smith and beer mogul Budweiser, I believe that their push to establish Baseball Opening Day as a national holiday is ludicrous. It is the creation of individuals who have no concept or concern about the cost inherent in issuing such a decree, not only the financial toll, but also the loss of productivity and another day with no mail delivery.
The nation currently enjoys 10 national holidays, almost one per month. In addition to vacation days and sick days, of which many workers may avail themselves, less work would be performed.
If a national holiday is declared for Major League Baseball Opening Day, where would it end? Shall we revisit establishing national holidays for Election Day or to honor Cesar Chavez, Susan B. Anthony, Malcolm X, and Native Americans? Should we continue to slight George Washington and Abraham Lincoln by forcing them to share Presidents’ Day? If we elevate baseball to this level, how could we slight other sports? How about a paid day off for the opening day of football season, hockey season, basketball season? How about at least one day to commemorate March Madness? Why not add the Monday following the Super Bowl, making it a day of recovery from overconsumption of food and alcohol?
I take a backseat to no one in my zeal for the great game of baseball. I am a Pittsburgh Pirates season ticket holder who cannot wait for Opening Day each year. The nation, however does not need another national holiday, and if a do-nothing Congress should find the means to reach agreement on this proposal, it will demonstrate once again that it is composed of a cast of characters who have disdain for fiscal responsibility and sound governance.
Oren Spiegler
Upper Saint Clair