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I'm actually reluctant to write this post. There was a span of time during these last 24-hours where I've considered whitewashing the day's events from Saturday and moving on to previewing the next Baseball Road Trip. I distinctly remember, a few years back, coming down here to Arizona for Spring Training, coming on the blog, and writing about how pure the experience was and how every baseball fan needs to come and do Spring Training at least once. Well, in the time since that post, I have seen Spring Training grow to the point where it has become commercialized and crowded. The essence of what I wrote is lost. Hence, this is my reluctance to write. However, I vowed to chronicle my travels, and to divulge what I can about my trips, so I will write what I know.
My second day in Phoenix started out with me doing a little bike ride around Tempe, climbing "A"-Mountain, and stopping at the Dutch Bros. on the campus of Arizona State. This is the second time I have done this sequence of events, and I think it is very appropriate to do it before any sort of day games that I go to in the future. It got me woken up after a solid night sleep, gave me a great view of the city, and allowed me some relaxation time to update the blog.
At around 10:30, I jumped on my bike and rode the four miles down to the Spring Training home of the Angels, Tempe Diablo Stadium. I had been here last year for the first time, and I remember it being hot, crowded, expensive, and just tolerable. I got there early, finished some work, and proceeded to head down to The Backfields to watch some workouts. I've seen the pre-game workouts on the backfields before, but I had never stayed. Usually I'm in the ballpark 30-45 minutes prior to the game, but on this day, when all the crowds dispersed, the real action began.
The field I was watching was the Brevard County Manatees, from the Florida State League, against my own Inland Empire 66ers. However, on the field next to mine, was the Low-A affiliate game between the Angels' Burlington Bees and the Brewers' Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. I developed a great routine during the game to watch the primary action between Brevard County and Inland Empire, but in-between innings and during pitching changes, I'd turn 180-degrees and catch a little of the Low-A game too.
Just before the game, dozens of players and scouts came and sat around me in the small bleacher behind home plate. This was a great opportunity to talk to them and ask them questions. I loved hearing the stories from both the Inland Empire and Brevard County players about Spring Training, their workouts, their excitement for the season to start, and just general stories from the road. I loved talking with the scouts about the players being developed, what they look for in talent, and their prospects for the season ahead for all the squads.
Only about a dozen fans were present to see the game, but you knew that they were the real die-hards. They brought picnic lunches, lawn chairs, and were dressed up in the garb of either the Brewers or Angels. I was the only one that had on Inland Empire 66ers stuff, but I didn't feel out-of-place. Probably the best part of the whole day is that with the two games going on, and the unprecedented access to players and personnel, it was all free. I didn't spend a dime.
The field I was watching was the Brevard County Manatees, from the Florida State League, against my own Inland Empire 66ers. However, on the field next to mine, was the Low-A affiliate game between the Angels' Burlington Bees and the Brewers' Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. I developed a great routine during the game to watch the primary action between Brevard County and Inland Empire, but in-between innings and during pitching changes, I'd turn 180-degrees and catch a little of the Low-A game too.
Just before the game, dozens of players and scouts came and sat around me in the small bleacher behind home plate. This was a great opportunity to talk to them and ask them questions. I loved hearing the stories from both the Inland Empire and Brevard County players about Spring Training, their workouts, their excitement for the season to start, and just general stories from the road. I loved talking with the scouts about the players being developed, what they look for in talent, and their prospects for the season ahead for all the squads.
Only about a dozen fans were present to see the game, but you knew that they were the real die-hards. They brought picnic lunches, lawn chairs, and were dressed up in the garb of either the Brewers or Angels. I was the only one that had on Inland Empire 66ers stuff, but I didn't feel out-of-place. Probably the best part of the whole day is that with the two games going on, and the unprecedented access to players and personnel, it was all free. I didn't spend a dime.
It's difficult to even put a competitive value on these Minor League games on the backfields. Yeah, Inland Empire routed Brevard County 11-5, but with all the player movement in and out, and innings being cut short due to pitch counts, it really is more just a sight to behold than an actual game. I stopped keeping score in the second inning because of all the player movements. But, I was ok with that because of what I was watching.
After the game, I rode back into downtown Tempe and stopped at this neat beer place that sold a whole bunch of international craft beer. It really was a great cap on a day of experiences.
Look, folks, I was anticipating this day for a while, but now that it has come and gone, I am so glad that I went ahead and did it this way. The essence of Spring Training has been lost, but, here on The Backfields, is where that purity still lives on. I almost want to keep this gem to myself, and hence why I'm reluctant to write about it.
Bottom line is this: What an incredible day, and I am so glad that I did it.
Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)
Look, folks, I was anticipating this day for a while, but now that it has come and gone, I am so glad that I went ahead and did it this way. The essence of Spring Training has been lost, but, here on The Backfields, is where that purity still lives on. I almost want to keep this gem to myself, and hence why I'm reluctant to write about it.
Bottom line is this: What an incredible day, and I am so glad that I did it.
Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)
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