Sun Splash

When I pulled up into Palm Springs on Sunday, I felt like my dog. Whenever the sun is out, my dog goes into the backyard, plops down on the grass, rolls over onto his back, and just catches rays. It's his ultimate relaxation, and I shared those same feelings. Sitting in Palm Springs Stadium, I couldn't believe that I was in shorts and flip-flops, applying sunscreen, and actually having to seek shade because I was hot. This is why I love Southern California, and this was a perfect kickoff to what I hope is my best season yet of Baseball Road Trips.

Baseball in January? That's right. The California Winter League plays out of Palm Springs from late January until the middle of February. It acts as a league for un-drafted or free agent talent to showcase their skills in the off-season to earn Spring Training invites. It also acts as a feeder league for the Independent Frontier League in the midwestern United States. As you can see, it was kind of random and unique in the sense that it all came together in Palm Springs. The league has eight teams that play doubleheaders at Palm Springs Stadium and the adjoining Palm Springs High School fields. What was ironic is that the teams had names like the "Oregon Lumberjacks" or "Washington Blue Sox", yet no player was from any of those states. It really had an amateur feel, but there was a palpable sense of professionalism to it.

I caught a morning/afternoon doubleheader at Palm Springs Stadium. The morning tilt was between British Columbia and Oregon. While I naturally rooted for the Oregon team, I had a hard time wrapping my head around the whole idea that no player on the team was from Oregon and that I was probably the only one in the stadium with any ties to the state. My perceived solitude didn't improve on the field as the British Columbia team ran out to quick lead and worked through some jams in the late innings to beat Oregon 4-1.

What struck me as surprising was that the game was only 7 innings and that the next games team's were warming up along the side of the stadium. To be honest, it reminded almost of a Babe Ruth or Little League setup. This did, however, have the effect of really personalizing the game for the fans as all the players were easily accessible. While I didn't talk to any of the players, I did get seats right behind the dugout and could have easily had conversations with any of the players. I think that as the season progresses, and depending on the game, I might try and strike up conversations with the field staff and players to try and establish a rapport with them. I've gone to so many baseball games over the years that I really haven't developed relationships with the players. I'm going to change that this year.

For being January, I was actually surprised at how many people were at the game. While it certainly wasn't a sell out, I estimated that there were probably a couple hundred people in the stands. I did notice that the people who were there were baseball fans, first and foremost. And I'm not talking about casual fans, but real die-hards. Everyone was very friendly and courteous, and there were a few of them keeping score and chatting up with the various scouts in the stadium. 

The second game, Canada and Washington, was a lot more offensive-minded as both teams racked up some big innings early on, but the Evergreen State ended up winning it 8-4,. This one ended in the 6th inning as it seemed like everyone had just decided to call it a day. 

After the game, I decided to go for a bike ride around Palm Springs. It got me thinking about how unique of an experience the games were and how it was a great way to begin the season. While my 14-mile ride took me past million-dollar homes and the ritzy downtown, I was very much enjoying myself. I set a high bar for the season, and I'm excited to dive into and exceed that expectation. 

Two games down, and a lot more to go. However, this weekend's festivities aren't a game, necessarily. For the third straight year, I'll be attending a Major League Fan Fest, this time up at Chavez Ravine for the Dodgers. The event is totally free, and according to the Dodger's website, this will be the first time the event will be held inside Dodger Stadium. Just like the last two Fan Fests I've been to, the field will be open, there will be games and prizes, a stage will be setup for questions and answers, and autographs will be had. I'm looking forward to doing a 2015 trial run with the Metrolink and my bike up to the stadium, doing my loop around downtown, and hitting up Angel City for a brewskie afterwards. 

So, until we talk on Sunday...

Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)