I know, I know. We used to grumble about the early April games at the Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium, and we like the idea that the Connecticut Tigers start in mid-June.

But still I was pleased to receive a press release that baseball will return unexpectedly early to Dodd Stadium this year. It’s still winter, but the UConn Huskies baseball team (that’s the nationally ranked UConn baseball team) will play its first home game Tuesday, March 15 at Dodd Stadium at 3:30 p.m.

This is a surprise last-minute move. The concession stands aren’t even open yet after the winter shutdown. Admission is free and there will be no concession sales.

The announcement, the UConn and Sacred Heart websites all don’t say why the game was moved to Dodd, making it a home game for UConn instead of Sacred Heart. The game was supposed to be played at the Bridgeport Bluefish home stadium.

UConn has some very good players, and Major League scouts have been watching their games. So if you have a couple of free hours Tuesday afternoon, put on your winter coats, hats and gloves and go watch a baseball game.

Wish I could join you.