What’s better than rooting for a local athlete? Rooting against the Miami Marlins.

Ian Happ ... we thank you.

Let's settle in and enjoy the first pitch of the 2018 @MLB seaso-- pic.twitter.com/VdNov3BeTx

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 29, 2018

Ian Happ says “WELCOME TO 2018!” pic.twitter.com/A5Dcb4jVRR

— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) March 29, 2018

That was Happ, the Cubs second baseman and a Mt. Lebanon grad, mashing himself a tater on Pitch 1. Yes indeed, baseball season in Western Pennsylvania may have already peaked — though when balls are this juiced, anything is possible. Juiced balls forever.

Happ, 23, was the ninth overall pick in 2015 and had 24 home runs in his first 115 MLB games last season. He’s on pace for a few more in 2018.

Bill Brink

Ten Pirates prospects to keep an eye on

First Published: March 29, 2018, 5:07 p.m.