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Yankees, Mets Fans Celebrate Opening Day Of Baseball Season

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Baseball is back!

It's MLB Opening Day, and both the Yankees and Mets hit the field this afternoon.

Former pitching great Mariano Rivera threw out the ceremonial first pitch as the Bombers beat the Baltimore Orioles, 7-2. 

The core of the roster will return this season, and they're determined to win.

Last year, the season ended at the hands of their arch rivals, the Boston Red Sox, who later went on to win the World Series.

PHOTOS: Opening Day At Yankee Stadium

"I'd like to think we're hungry, regardless of the result from last year, but there's no doubt about it that, especially for a lot of these guys going back now a couple of years, they've had a couple good teams here that have been close, and the feeling of disappointment of it ending when you feel like you have a team capable of greatness," manager Aaron Boone said.

MORE: Steinbrenner: Yankees Are A Championship-Caliber Team

The thrill of opening day never gets old for the players or the fans. It's a chance to look ahead, with a nod to the tradition.

"Just playing at Yankee Stadium, just the history here and the ones that wore these pinstripes before us. And for all of us to go out there and get an opportunity to do that same thing, it's just a special moment," said outfielder Aaron Judge.

Last year, the game was postponed because of snow. This year, it's a different story.

MORE: Yankee Stadium Unveils New Menu For 2019 Baseball Season

"This is a much better weather situation than it was last year," fan Peter Anderson told CBS2's Steve Overmyer.

It's a family affair for the Chris Moroni and his son Tyler.

"It's a tradition for us, and even I had school today, but my dad let me go here," Tyler said.

"It's a holiday. As far as I'm concerned, it should be a national holiday," Chris added.

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