The smell of the fresh cut grass, the aroma of ballpark food in the air, the crack of the bat. These are things you simply can't replicate anywhere else, except inside a baseball stadium.

It's that time of year again when if I'm not on the field with my own boys, you'll find me at a different field enjoying a cold beverage, a helmet full of nachos, and watching some other boys play.

The Amarillo Sod Poodles are back! While the season is already underway for the Soddies, they started the year on the road. This week is different. We get to see them in person, putting the hurt on all those other AA teams as they work their way to a championship at the end.

So what's in store for opening week at HODGETOWN? Well, there are a lot of things. We get to see some of the most exciting prospects in the Arizona Diamondbacks system again this season as four of the organization's top 30 prospects are beginning the season with the Soddies, none bigger than Jordan Lawler who ranks as the 11th overall rated prospect in baseball. This kid is a star in the making, and it's only a matter of time before he gets the call to AAA, so get out early to see the kid play.

The home season kicks off tomorrow, Tuesday, April 11th and the game will be followed by fireworks, so a nice little two-for-one to kick off the season. Weiner Wednesday is back at HODGETOWN where you can take advantage of $1 hot dogs to keep those dinner costs low. Thirsty Thursday returns after that with discounted beer and sodas, and one of my favorite nights to hit the ballpark. Friday night brings the fireworks back to the ballpark if you miss them on Opening Night.

Saturday will be a fun one at the park as it's the first night the Sod Poodles will transform into the Amarillo Calf Fries. It's also Jackie Robinson Day across baseball. Sunday will be the first day game of the season at home, and yes, the kids will be allowed on the field to run the bases once again this season after each Sunday game. It's also the first giveaway day of the season where you'll be able to get yourself a magnetic schedule to pop on the fridge so you don't miss a game.

Soddies baseball is back, and I couldn't be more excited. See you at the ballpark!

Josh Jung and the Frisco RoughRiders play in Amarillo at HODGETOWN

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