IN THE PIPELINE:

Being one of the 115,300 baseball fans at the Coliseum as the Dodgers played the Red Sox last week was a memorable experience to be sure.

But for this Angels fan, it was simply a warmup for what matters most: the home opener in Anaheim. As I write this column, game time looms, and so I will type fast — we like to get there in time to catch some batting practice. This is my 12th or so opening day watching a team I have grown to love. I came here a Mets fan from New York, but that mid-’90s squad won me over and for my entire family, there has been no looking back. We simply love the Angels.

That’s why it was such a pleasure speaking with Hank Conger last week. After all, Hank was raised here in Huntington Beach, his family still lives here and as you may know, in 2006 the Angels picked him first in that year’s draft. Since then, the former Huntington Beach High School catcher has been working hard to develop his game and last week he was back home for a couple of days.

Hank said he was about to return to Arizona for some rehab work before starting his season in earnest. He wasn’t sure yet whether he’d be with Cedar Rapids Kernels or with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes; but either way, he was anxious to get back behind the plate.

Conger had just arrived home after experiencing his first major-league training camp, and he recounted it with the zeal and enthusiasm not just of a young player — but as a fan, as well.

“The guys were just amazing,” Hank said. “Jeff Mathis and Mike Napoli gave me lots of time and tips in terms of catching. And I also got to work with Mike Scioscia, which was amazing.”

Conger grew up an Angels fan, so the entire experience of actually being part of the Angels organization still seems a bit surreal for him.

“When I was a kid, I always followed Garret Anderson, [Darin] Erstad, Frankie Rodriguez and of course Tim Salmon. So having Tim come to camp this spring and talk to us about his love of the game, his passion for hitting — it was unbelievable,” he said.

The kid who made his mark at Ocean View Little League still loves to come home when he gets the chance, both to catch up with his buddies and spend time with his family (Conger’s younger brother, Adrian, plays baseball at Huntington Beach High School).

Hank’s dad, Yun, is thrilled thus far with how the Angels organization has treated his son — and the entire family. “They are incredibly professional, just the best,” Yun told me. “Owner Arte Moreno has been wonderful, the scouts; everyone has gone out of their way to make this a great experience for my son and for us, too. The communication is very clear, and they really seem to care about their players. My wife, Eun, and I could not be happier.”

And just what is Hank looking forward to this coming season? “Having fun, staying healthy and playing hard.” Sounds good, Hank. You’ve got a good city rooting behind you so go get ’em and I’ll do updates here In The Pipeline as your season progresses.

OK, almost time to leave for the game. Another Angels opening day. Another moment for local baseball fans to savor the arrival of our national pastime. Baseball Hall-of-Famer Rogers Hornsby once said, “People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.” Well, with that first pitch, for me, spring will officially be here. So go Angels! (and go Hank Conger!).