This week is one of the best of the year for one reason: Opening Day for baseball.

From the lowest level of the minor leagues all the way up to the Major Leagues, the opening of baseball is like a holiday for Americans all over the nation.

The new season brings promise for every team. It doesn’t matter if they are expected to contend, like the Texas Rangers, or not, like the Houston Astros. At least for one day, every team has a chance at the playoffs before the inevitable fall for some.

The schedulers were kind to the Texas teams this year as both teams will open at home.

The Astros will open their final season in the National League by hosting the Colorado Rockies Friday Apr. 6. The Rangers open with the Chicago White Sox in Arlington that same day.

On the subject of Pennants, the San Antonio Missions of the Double-A Texas League (TL) won their twelfth TL Pennant in team history in 2011. They will raise the pennant on Thursday April 5. It will also be Dollar Night at the ballpark for hot dogs, sodas and beer. For more information, visit the San Antonio Missions here.