Any Banterers been to Spring Training games? I'm thinking about planning out a trip for next year (with my sons). I think there was some commentary last year on Pete Abe's blog (back when it was his, I mean), and the remarks were somewhat useful. E.g., a couple of people suggested that it's better to go to 'away' games (not in Tampa). But I would place much more confidence in reports from BBers.
nope, never been to ST. i used to flirt with the idea every year for awhile, now that i live in the south and not too terribly far from Tampon. i've played there a few times and have never enjoyed that city. i imagine it would be better for spring training, however. but, for some reason, March usually seems to be my best month as far as private teaching goes, so i can't really miss out time here...
i've had a few friends from here go and they loved it. they're your typical Yankee haters (blech), but said Legends Field was unreal and the whole experience was terrific.
[3] sounds like it would be a wonderful trip for you and your boys, i hope you get to do that next spring!
I am actually heading down to Tampa tomorrow for my first trip to Spring Training. I am planning to catch two games at Steinbrenner field and at least one more at a road stadium. I'll report back after my experience.
[3] Yes, though almost a decade ago now, but I had a phenomenal time and I'd go again in a second. From my experience, it was absolutely less expensive and easier to get tickets to "away" games. It was also a lot easier to get near the players and get autographs, too, if your kids are into that.
The downside is that of course you're not going to see everyone on the team. Its kind of a crap shoot as to who you do get to see. I believe at least 4 "veterans" have to make the trip, though the definition of "veteran" is full of loopholes. When I was there in 2001, Henry Rodriguez counted as one of the veterans.
The best place to see a game, not just because its not too far from Tampa (~45 minutes) but also due to the facilities and ease of access, is Bradenton, where the Pirates play. But many teams play within an hour's drive of Tampa, so you really can't go wrong. The other nice thing is that there are plenty of other outdoor activities in the Tampa area for when games aren't going on, and enough museums etc if it rains.
Though having been in Florida just last week (with the family at WDW, no Spring Training alas), the best advice I might have is, make sure you pack pants and shorts, in case its colder than you expect.
I have a great friend who's been down in Tampa a few years now. He's opened up a standing invite for spring training and I just can't get it together to get down there.
Great, I can't wait for William to report back!
And thanks, Shaun. This winter, of course, was particularly cold in Florida -- I understand that some of the games have been played in 50 degree weather, and most years it's 70 or even 80. I'm assuming that's an aberration and not some permanent new climate in south Florida!
I wasn't thinking of ST as a substitute for going to a "real game", but rather as another fun experience.
Oh, and thelarmis, those fruit in the picture are oranges. Their taste is very hard to describe. Sour, yet sweet and fragrant. You should try one!
[0] Those look like grape vines in the background. Probably not FL.
[2, 3] Been to the Cactus League, but not Grapefruit. Mixed in a home base in Peoria with the Ms with day trips to other games and bike rides. Great time. Definitely less expensive and more accessible.
I had the good fortune to see two games about ten years ago. I had a friend who lived in St. Petersburg and he invited us down. It was a lot of fun. One game at Legends Field and another somewhere else, wherever Toronto plays (I believe it was). Very cozy, very intimate. What was really trippy, though, was that after the home game, they played Frank and for about a second and a half I thought I was in the Bronx and then felt really weird to look around and see Florida.
[10] ha! i actually dig oranges! and clementines. i went to buy a banana before i taught today and somehow ended up with a plantain. only me. shit, i didn't even know what a freakin' plantain was! needless to say, it got thrown out quick and i opted for some reese's peanut butter cups! : )
i guess the moral of that story is...last time i try to be healthy! : ~
[13] ask this ? about spring training again in coupla more weeks when some more regular Banterers are back 'round these parts. i'm not positive, but i think Evil Empire has been to spring training games with his boys before. if so, he'll have some great 411 for you!
Nice picture, where's it from.
Not sure, but it doesn't look like Florida, actually. Doh.
Have you ever been to spring training? I haven't but it sounds like it'd be a a fun thing to do at some point.
I've been wondering about that myself, Alex.
Any Banterers been to Spring Training games? I'm thinking about planning out a trip for next year (with my sons). I think there was some commentary last year on Pete Abe's blog (back when it was his, I mean), and the remarks were somewhat useful. E.g., a couple of people suggested that it's better to go to 'away' games (not in Tampa). But I would place much more confidence in reports from BBers.
[2] Never been to ST. Lack of funds.
Might it be Italy?
Wow. Edwar for cash? Are the Yankees that full of journeyman relievers. Do they need cash?
Good luck in Texas, Edwar.
tis is a nice picture!
nope, never been to ST. i used to flirt with the idea every year for awhile, now that i live in the south and not too terribly far from Tampon. i've played there a few times and have never enjoyed that city. i imagine it would be better for spring training, however. but, for some reason, March usually seems to be my best month as far as private teaching goes, so i can't really miss out time here...
i've had a few friends from here go and they loved it. they're your typical Yankee haters (blech), but said Legends Field was unreal and the whole experience was terrific.
[3] sounds like it would be a wonderful trip for you and your boys, i hope you get to do that next spring!
and with that...i'm off to teach! : )
I am actually heading down to Tampa tomorrow for my first trip to Spring Training. I am planning to catch two games at Steinbrenner field and at least one more at a road stadium. I'll report back after my experience.
[3] Yes, though almost a decade ago now, but I had a phenomenal time and I'd go again in a second. From my experience, it was absolutely less expensive and easier to get tickets to "away" games. It was also a lot easier to get near the players and get autographs, too, if your kids are into that.
The downside is that of course you're not going to see everyone on the team. Its kind of a crap shoot as to who you do get to see. I believe at least 4 "veterans" have to make the trip, though the definition of "veteran" is full of loopholes. When I was there in 2001, Henry Rodriguez counted as one of the veterans.
The best place to see a game, not just because its not too far from Tampa (~45 minutes) but also due to the facilities and ease of access, is Bradenton, where the Pirates play. But many teams play within an hour's drive of Tampa, so you really can't go wrong. The other nice thing is that there are plenty of other outdoor activities in the Tampa area for when games aren't going on, and enough museums etc if it rains.
Though having been in Florida just last week (with the family at WDW, no Spring Training alas), the best advice I might have is, make sure you pack pants and shorts, in case its colder than you expect.
I have a great friend who's been down in Tampa a few years now. He's opened up a standing invite for spring training and I just can't get it together to get down there.
Great, I can't wait for William to report back!
And thanks, Shaun. This winter, of course, was particularly cold in Florida -- I understand that some of the games have been played in 50 degree weather, and most years it's 70 or even 80. I'm assuming that's an aberration and not some permanent new climate in south Florida!
I wasn't thinking of ST as a substitute for going to a "real game", but rather as another fun experience.
Oh, and thelarmis, those fruit in the picture are oranges. Their taste is very hard to describe. Sour, yet sweet and fragrant. You should try one!
[0] Those look like grape vines in the background. Probably not FL.
[2, 3] Been to the Cactus League, but not Grapefruit. Mixed in a home base in Peoria with the Ms with day trips to other games and bike rides. Great time. Definitely less expensive and more accessible.
I had the good fortune to see two games about ten years ago. I had a friend who lived in St. Petersburg and he invited us down. It was a lot of fun. One game at Legends Field and another somewhere else, wherever Toronto plays (I believe it was). Very cozy, very intimate. What was really trippy, though, was that after the home game, they played Frank and for about a second and a half I thought I was in the Bronx and then felt really weird to look around and see Florida.
All in all, very, very fun.
My bet is that the picture is the Central Valley, CA.
[10] ha! i actually dig oranges! and clementines. i went to buy a banana before i taught today and somehow ended up with a plantain. only me. shit, i didn't even know what a freakin' plantain was! needless to say, it got thrown out quick and i opted for some reese's peanut butter cups! : )
i guess the moral of that story is...last time i try to be healthy! : ~
[13] ask this ? about spring training again in coupla more weeks when some more regular Banterers are back 'round these parts. i'm not positive, but i think Evil Empire has been to spring training games with his boys before. if so, he'll have some great 411 for you!
[14] Do a search for "fried plantain recipe" on Google or your favorite search engine - I promise you will not be disappointed.