SUNY Maritime campus, The Bronx — © Brian Rose

It’s opening day for the New York Mets tomorrow — Citi Field is out there somewhere to the left of the umpire standing near second base. That’s the Whitestone Bridge in the distance, and beyond that you can just make out the skyscrapers of Manhattan. We’re in the Bronx at Maritime College. And while the Yankees will be making their debut in the Bronx next week, my son, who plays for SUNY Purchase, has been going at it since late February.

Less than a week ago, the field was covered in snow, and there are piles of the stuff out of view to the left. It’s 42 degrees with a stiff breeze. About 75 of us, mostly parents bundled in full winter gear, sit on folding camp chairs or metal bleacher seats. The grass is brownish green and the infield clay is  damp and lumpy, but it’s a lot better than the high school fields my son played on last year.

Baseball in New York City. Over the PA they’re playing “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.” And then, finally, Frankie: “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere, it’s up to you, New York, New York.