Some light reading while counting down until the Phillies open the 2017 season.
The big picture
This is the 135th opener for the Phillies. They are the oldest continuous franchise in sports, having never moved nor officially changed their nickname. Owner Bob Carpenter tried to bring in the “Blue Jays” as a nickname in the 1940s, but fortunately that was never officially adopted. The Phils are 60-72-2 on Opening Day.
Today’s opponent
This will be the ninth time the Phillies open against the Reds and the sixth time in Cincinnati. The Reds have won the last three openers against the Phils and four of the previous six.