Thursday's first pitch

The House that George Built opens today. How will the new digs affect the bleacher creatures? Of course, Mike Lupica wrote something worth reading. The Boss should be part of the occasion, writes Bill Madden. There are four people who need to give fans a connection to the old stadium.
Take a breath.
Here's more: Only one man can throw out the first pitch. The man with more Yankee history than any living soul. And how does The Facade look? Or anything else for that matter. The New York Times also has a great interactive graphic.
And for you Mets fans, compare the two new stadiums.

Boy, you have to wonder if the renovations to Kauffman Stadium got this much pub.

Now, to the ball teams, at least the region's ones.

• The Orioles had a very rough outing. It's no wonder Matt Albers is on his way back.
• With the game rained out, Philadelphia had nothing else to do but talk about Harry Kalas. And what happens next.
• The Pirates could muster just one run in defeat. Jack Wilson didn't start.
• How will the rainout affect the Nationals? In many ways.

Here's some of the news from around Major League Baseball.

• Griffey Jr. homered. So did Ichiro, who's grand slam also tied a record.By the way, the Mariners have the best record in the American League


• Another hot M's team, the Marlins, is off to baseball's hottest start. So how important is that?


• Andres Gallaraga, no not that Andres Gallaraga, is pitching spectacularly for the Tigers.


• Timmy Wakefield had a heck of a day Thursday, taking a no-no into the eighth. The bad news for the Sox, Daisuke is on the disabled list.


• The Yankees bullpen is getting some unexpected help.

In news that is relevant to every team, Ken Griffey talks about Jackie Robinson.

• The Kid also discussed the decline of the numbers African American ballplayers.
• What does Jackie Robinson have to do with Barack Obama? George Vescey says a lot.