Outside of the last two or three games that come to Dodger Stadium right before the season starts, I’ve never had the opportunity to go to any Spring Training games, as much as I’ve wanted to. I’ve always got the feeling that the atmosphere of those games is quite a bit different, and that the players tend to interact with the fans a lot more. It just sounded like fun, but since my team was on the other side of the country during the spring, I never made it.
Well, now that the Dodgers have moved to Arizona, I’ve purchased tickets to the first game in their new facility, and I’m very excited about getting to see a couple of games so early on. Anyone else here planning to go to any spring games this year? For those of you who have gone in the past, how has that experience compared to going to a game during the regular season?
Yes and no. I live in Florida, and have been to ~20 spring games since I’ve been down here. The atmosphere is different, but not all *that *different. You’ll be closer to the field, it’ll cost less, and the line for autographs will be shorter. But the experience is in essence the same; more a quantitative difference than a qualitative one, if I can put it that way.
The days where 50 people paid $5 each to get in and the players stood by the fence lazily chatting to the fans are long gone, alas. There’ll be several thousand people in the stands, and plenty of media, and the players act accordingly.
It is still the best place to get an autograph or a handshake, if that’s your thing. Be sure to get there as soon as the gates open, and don’t bother staying late. Be advised that in the early games, the regulars only play a couple of innings. You’ll definitely need a program to keep up with all the subs (often unannounced)
Do players noticably play with less effort to avoid any pre-season injuries?
i.e. Don’t dive for fly balls, no head first sliding, no collisions with the catcher while running home, pitches not as fast?
Depends on how solid their chances of making the team are. The established players ease off some, but the rookies often play like maniacs, trying to be noticed.
What he said. Home plate collisions are pretty much right out for everyone, but effort is expected from those who are trying to impress the team.
And pay no attention whatsoever if your favorite pitcher is getting shelled. They’re often working on a new pitch or putting themselves on some kind of restriction or something.
For established players, the progression is much like NFL preseason: it starts off as meaningless, then gets more and more serious, then the last few days are all about resting.
Why do you say not to bother staying late? Do the players disappear out of a secret bat cave? I mean, even at regular season games, some players will usually stop and sign for the fans that stuck around.
In general, though, I’m not surprised by anything you’ve said, furt. I still think it’ll be fun to see (somewhat) Major League-level baseball from that close. I’ve sat really close at minor league games, but I somehow think this will still feel different.
Don’t know so much about the autographs (never been into them), but before the game is when you might see some coaching going on, (once saw Dave Lopes give a 20 minute baserunning lesson to a couple of minor leaguers – fascinating to watch, even though I couldn’t hear 95% of it), or when players are just kind of hanging out. My impression is that after the game, most of them are done for the day.
It is. I think it’s especially fun if you’re a serious fan who knows who is who and know what to look for. Watching Lopes was more interesting because I had heard of the rookie he was teaching: Chase Utley.
I’ve been to many spring training games in Arizona and Florida. In fact, I’ve been to games at the old Dodgertown in Vero Beach. I’ve taken a leak next to Tommy Lasorda and stood next to Sparky Anderson as he was smoking a cig.
Like others have mentioned above, you’re not going to see the regulars play more than a couple of innings. Sometimes, you’ll luck out and get to see someone playing a different position.
I haven’t been to any of those new facilities over in the far west valley. I’d say avoid the Cubs at all costs. Spring training should be fun, but the loud, drunken assholes at Cubs spring training games kill the atmosphere for me.
BTW, Tommy used to drive this customized golf cart around Dodgertown Be interesting to see if he has it at the new facility.
One thing you’ll like about Spring Training, you might actually see the Dodgers beat the Diamondbacks! Too bad it won’t count…
Let it be noted that you started this on January 15, 2009. Let it also be noted that my team and I will end it in late October, 2009, when we’re crowned World Champions.
