Minor League Baseball: The Curve put their best foot forward

It's opening day. The minor league season has finally arrived.

Fans have visions of warm weather, hot dogs, pennant races, and homerun chases.

Instead, it was 38 degrees with a stiff wind and a chance of snow flurries.

The weather couldn't dampen the fans' spirit though.

The Altoona Curve, a Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, had planned a number of things to entertain the fans in any weather condition.

Jerome Bettis, Pittsburgh Steeler running back, arrived on the field in a school bus with flashing lights and threw out the first pitch.

Bettis is one of the Curve's new minority owners, along with NHL great Mario Lemieux.

The credibility of these two superstars just adds a golden touch to an already shining franchise.

Following the game the game, the crowd was entertained by an awesome fireworks display.

Despite all the hoopla about new ownership and the pre- and post-game festivities, there was still a game to be played.

Shawn Garrett got the first hit of the new season, a double that drove in two runs and gave the home standers an early 2-0 lead.

The Curve would never look back.

Tony Alvarez also got into the act by equaling the club record with three stolen bases.

Although the weather was more suited for football than baseball, an opening day record 6,408 fans showed their true colors by braving the conditions and rooting the locals to a 7-5 victory over the Harrisburg Senators.

If the rest of the season follows suit, the fans, the new ownership, and the Pirates should be excited about a new season of Curve baseball.