The term BALLGAME OPENER can be broken down into three crossword solutions: ANTHEM (6 letters), RAIN (4 letters), and BLIMP (5 letters). An ANTHEM is a song or hymn of praise or devotion, usually to a nation or other cause. RAIN is liquid water in the form of droplets that have condensed from atmospheric water vapor and then become heavy enough to fall under gravity. A BLIMP is a type of non-rigid airship that is propelled by an engine and steered with a rudder. All three of these words are commonly associated with the beginning of a ballgame, such as the singing of an ANTHEM, RAIN delays, and the flying of a BLIMP.