Publisher’s Statement: Game time
Written by Tom Pounds | President / Publisher | tpounds@toledofreepress.comCapistrano can keep its swallows and Hinckley can keep its buzzards; the Toledo Mud Hens are returning to their Downtown roost April 8.
Opening Day in Downtown is like the first day of spring, Christmas and the Fourth of July wrapped into one glorious afternoon of positive feeling and excitement.
Each year, the streets of Downtown flow with chattering people wearing Hens shirts, hats and gear, as music blasts from the clubs and the outdoor parties rock the streets around Fifth Third Field.
One of the great aspects of this day during the past few years has been the addition of new businesses around the ballpark. I remember when Packo’s at the Park opened, and the buzz around our neighbor, The Blarney.
This year, spring offers another eatery on the block, Table Forty-4. The American bistro, housed in an amazingly restored building with touches such as elevated fireplaces, an impressive center bar and a few more surprises. It may not be open by Opening Day, but you will see it as you walk past Monroe and Huron.
We are also set to welcome Ice in the former Eddy B.’s space and Jed’s at the Yard.
This year, we add our new Wednesday Star edition to the roster of Opening Day traditions. As much as this issue of
Toledo Free Press is packed with stories and features, the April 7 Star will focus on the culture and events surrounding the Mud Hens and its quest for the Governors’ Cup.
This year brings the added dimension of the playoff-bound Walleye, who will pursue the Kelly Cup just up the street at the Lucas County Arena. Let’s hope that achievement and success carries over to the baseball team.
So, best of luck to our Hens — and our Walleye — best of luck to our neighbors old and new, and best of luck to everyone who loves a good day at the ballpark.
See you at the game!
Thomas F. Pounds is president and publisher of Toledo Free Press and Toledo Free Press Star. E-mail him at tpounds@toledofreepress.com.
Tags: Mud Hens
