Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

A good day to hibernate in man cave

- Compiled by Jeff Krupsaw

Some days are better than others for sports fans. And today, it can be argued, that this might be the best of them all.

We know football fans love that first Sunday in February — just about everybody does — no matter how awkward it is to use Roman numerals to identify each passing Super Bowl, the most recent one going off as LI.

College basketball fans swear by the first two days of the NCAA Tournament in mid-March, 32 games in 48 hours that are sure to provide buzzer-beating shots and bracket-breaking upsets.

Golf fans are mesmerized by The Masters, especially the final round when you get to see all 18 holes of hallowed and beautiful Augusta National Golf Club.

The first Saturday in May is reserved for fans of thoroughbr­ed racing.

The last Sunday in May is mustsee TV for those who love motor sports.

College football fans yearn for any Saturday from Labor Day until New Year’s Day, but especially New Year’s Day — at least it used to be that way.

Tennis folks typically celebrate the Fourth of July with the Wimbledon finals.

NBA fans get to open at least four presents every Christmas Day.

The NFL offers turkey, dressing and dessert on Thanksgivi­ng.

Then, there is today, the first Monday in April, the personal favorite of Bloomberg.com’s Albert R. Hunt.

College basketball shares the stage with Major League baseball’s traditiona­l opening day.

“For a sports-crazed nation … it’s a feast,” Hunt writes. … “On Monday night, 20-year-old kids will produce thrilling moments — and Charles Barkley will analyze them!

“On the profession­al level, baseball, more than football, is showcasing marquee talent. The Washington Nationals’ Bryce Harper, the Cubs’ Kris Bryant and the Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout, all 25 or younger, are the most exciting young players since Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle and Hank Aaron in the 1950s.

“Memo to my editor: Don’t call between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday afternoon. I have appointmen­ts at Nationals Park. President Donald Trump decided not to follow custom and throw out the first pitch, sparing us, for at least a couple hours, a chorus of boos. It was the smartest decision he made last month.”

No argument here.

 ?? AP/ROSS D. FRANKLIN ?? Eleven Opening Day games and tonight’s NCAA Championsh­ip basketball game combine to make the first Monday in April a favorite of sports fans. Three season-opening games, including one at Chase Field in Phoenix, were played Sunday.
AP/ROSS D. FRANKLIN Eleven Opening Day games and tonight’s NCAA Championsh­ip basketball game combine to make the first Monday in April a favorite of sports fans. Three season-opening games, including one at Chase Field in Phoenix, were played Sunday.

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