FARGO, N.D. — Forget about everything else for a moment and take a look at this:
The retired No. 8, worn in this city by Roger Maris, Fargo’s revered son, on the facade over first base. The red-white-and-blue bunting draped over the railings. The ballplayers warming up down the foul lines.
The people are finding their seats, and somewhere the big red mascot is getting ready. Any minute now the umpires will arrive, fully dressed and carrying their baseballs and walking straight from the parking lot to the field.
It came late, but here it is: opening day.