Ozzie Smith, Budweiser back efforts to make Opening Day a national holiday

St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith has joined Budweiser in an effort to declare Major League Baseball’s Opening Day a national holiday.
April 9, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; General view of bases with opening day logo before being placed on the infield before the Los Angeles Angels play against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
They have gone as far as starting up a petition on WhiteHouse.Gov to declare Opening Day as a national holiday. The White House is forced to respond upon 100,000 signatures to the petition. President Barack Obama has a Chicago White Sox fan and many politicos in the Washington, DC area are amongst the season ticket holders to see the Washington Nationals play.

For fans of some baseball teams, Opening Day is seen as a time of hope and a fresh start. Opening Day dates back to the late 1800s when the Cincinnati Red Stockings, which evolved into the Cincinnati Reds, would kick off the baseball season. Opening Day is a holiday in its own right in Cincy and especially in St. Louis when the team opens at home.

It’s a time to see the team’s Hall of Fame members on display and see young talent take the field and enjoy the Opening Day atmosphere.

Budweiser, an official sponsor of Major League Baseball, has uploaded videos onto YouTube in order to promote their efforts.

I’ve signed the petition and ask you to do the same.