Pirates home opener: Major League Baseball begins its 122nd season in Pittsburgh as the Pirates take on the defending NL Central champion Chicago Cubs. Opening day forecast: Partly sunny, high of 62.

Did you know: Until the New York Yankees defeated the Toronto Blue Jays, 3-2, April 1, the Yankees and Pirates had shared the record for most consecutive wins in home openers (10). Ironically, the Pirates' streak occurred from 1945-54. That period had been considered the worst in franchise history ... until their current run.

To watch: 1:35 p.m., PNC Park, FSN Pittsburgh.

National championship: One is the only-est number in this men's Final Four, where all four No. 1 seeds made it to the final weekend for the first time. By the end of the night, only one will remain, and it will be crowned the NCAA men's basketball champion.

Did you know: Princeton's Bill Bradley holds the record for most points scored in the Final Four with 87 in 1965.

To watch: 9 p.m., KDKA.

The quest for the Cup: We likely won't know who the Penguins will play in the first round or when the series will start (today or tomorrow) until the regular season is completely over. But, if you remember the black hole from 2002-06, does it really matter?

Did you know: The Penguins historically have not been strong starters in the postseason, going just 17-23 in series openers including a 6-3 loss to Ottawa in Game 1 last year.

To watch: TBA, Mellon Arena.

The Masters: For many, golf season begins today when Arnold Palmer hits the ceremonial tee shot off No. 1 at Augusta to open the year's first major. For the record, it began in January and Tiger Woods already has won three times in four tries.

Did you know: This is the 50th anniversary of Palmer's first Masters win.

To watch: 4 p.m., ESPN.

Pirates: The Reds open a weekend series, bringing with them Ken Griffey Jr. and his pursuit of 600 home runs. Griffey needs seven to become the sixth player to 600.

Did you know: Because of injuries and Barry Bonds, it's easy to forget that from 1996-2000, Griffey averaged 50 home runs and 137 RBIs a season.

To watch: 7:05 p.m., FSN Pittsburgh.

Penguins: Game 2: Regardless of when they start, expect NBC to clamor for the Penguins' weekend games (imagine ESPN's love affair for all things Red Sox-Yankees). They are that hot nationally.

Did you know: The Penguins' 41 home sellouts this year helped drive overall NHL attendance to record levels this year. Heading into April, average NHL attendance was 17,194 -- a 5 percent increase over the 2006-07 season.

To watch: TBA.

Only the beginning? The stars and schedule are both aligned to make this The Year of the Tiger. When the long Sunday shadows settle over Augusta, will they be wrapping Woods in the green-jacketed first step to golf's elusive Grand Slam?

Did you know: If he wins, Woods would become the first to win the Masters four times in one decade.

To watch: 2:30 p.m., KDKA.