Spring Training Trip - Day 34

It was a great day to watch a baseball game.  The weather was sunny, 81 degrees and a slight breeze.  The game, however, was not so good.  The Phillies pitchers got off to a bad start and the hitters weren’t hitting.  They lost 10-3 and looked flat in every part of the game.

We arrived early again, getting there around 10:30 am when the gates opened.  It is a good time to arrive as it is not yet crowded and we like to walk around the concourse to observe batting and fielding practice as well as the people who are there to do the same.  Also, three times around the concourse adds up to a mile of walking which gives us a little bit of exercise before the game.  It also allows us to have an early lunch before the lines get too long.  We usually eat at one of the standup tables along the concourse.  The food is good in the park and we are trying something different each day.  Today it was Bratwurst and Italian Sausage sandwiches with hand-squeezed lemonade to drink.  Later in the afternoon it was a beer with peanuts.

Dinner was take-out Greek food with a beautiful sunset in the distance. The Philllies play the Pittsburgh Pirates tomorrow.

Day 34 Pictures

Spring Training Trip - Day 33

We left for our first game at the Toronto Blue Jays field (Florida Auto Exchange Stadium) around 11:00 am.  The park, the atmosphere, and the overall experience are much different from the Phillies complex at Brighthouse Field.

The park is only a few blocks from downtown Dunedin, a nice small town just north of Clearwater.  The town is a retiree haven right on the beach with an attractive downtown area including shops, restaurants, and a park in the city square in the center of town.  Parking for the game is essentially entrepreneurial, with virtually every location along the street to the park offering parking.  One place was also offering a free beer if you parked there.

After entering the park and looking around a little, we had lunch at the Canadian Grill, a picnic tent sort of food area inside the park.  The food was typical ballpark fare and nothing particularly exciting. 

The park is much smaller than Brighthouse Field and a lot older.  The seats and rows are closer together, fairly uncomfortable and hard to get in and out of.  Nevertheless, the game was good (the Phillies won), the weather was pleasant, and the crowd was friendly.  We sat near a lot of Blue Jay fans (mostly Canadians) but there were also a lot of Phillies fans in attendance who appeared to be on their best behavior.  It was a good Spring Training baseball experience and we look forward to the two other Phillies games there later in the month.

We go back to Brighthouse Field tomorrow to watch the Phillies play the Houston Astros.

Day 33 Pictures

Spring Training Trip - Day 32

The Phillies played the Yankees again today for the third straight game.  We parked in the same area as we did the other day and walked along the water control area levee towards the park.  We saw the pair of Ospreys again on the high perch overlooking the pond area.  We also saw a heron and an egret along with red wing blackbirds enjoying the habitat.

The weather today was clear skies, cool temperatures, and a little breezy. We sat along the first base line, surrounded mostly by Phillies fans who either lived here seasonally or have come down from the Philadelphia area to see a few games.  As we were sitting in the shade, it was actually a little cool with the temperature in the high 60s but windy.  Nevertheless, it was a good game and the Phillies won 9-3.

We stopped for a few groceries after the game and ate dinner in the RV.  We are visiting the Toronto Blue Jays' stadium tomorrow in Dunedin, FL for the first of three games with the Phillies while we are here.  The stadium is close to the Phillies stadium but is much older and smaller (the beer is also cheaper).  The Toronto fan base in Spring Training is mostly Canadian “snowbirds” and their games don’t attract nearly as many fans who just come down for a few games.  We expect to see as many Phillies fans in the stands as Blue Jay fans tomorrow.


Day 32 Pictures

Spring Training Trip - Day 31

We had the south end of the huge cold front that did so much damage in the midwest and south come through the Tampa Bay area early this morning.  We didn’t have any severe weather but we had strong winds and a little rain.  The front passed through quickly and the skies were clear when we got up but it was very windy all day.  It was also much colder with the temperature never getting any higher than the low 60’s. It was quite a change from the 80’s of last week.

We didn’t go to a game today – the Phillies were playing the Yankees again, but at their home field in Tampa.  We (Judy) did laundry instead and I finished up some first-of-the month desk work.  We did listen to the game on the radio and alas, they lost again.

We had a take-out pizza for dinner and watched a DVD afterwards.  Tomorrow, it’s the Yankees again at the Phillies ballpark.

No pictures today.

Spring Training Trip - Day 30

Today was the official home opening game of Spring Training for the Phillies.  The game was the first of three straight games with the Yankees.  The game tomorrow will be at the Yankee’s home field in Tampa and the game with them on Monday will be in Clearwater.

We decided to try another parking area for then game today.  There is a county park a short walk away from the park along a bike path.  Although the park is open to the public, a pay-to-park arrangement has been set-up during ball games at the stadium. The local disc-golf club (there is a disc golf course in the park) runs the parking area, keeps a small portion of the $5.00 parking fee and, with the city’s approval, gives the rest to the Phillies for distribution to local charities.

Along the path to the ballpark we passed a flood control area used to control high storm water run-off in the natural basin in the area.  It is a series of connected ponds surrounded by a wide levee and several gates that can be opened to control water as it reaches different levels.  The result is an attractive location for wildlife habitat and an effective flood control system that protects the houses in the surrounding community. While walking by we noticed a high tower that has been built to attract Ospreys.  In fact, we spotted two of them sitting on the perch.  We plan to walk around the levee before one of the upcoming games.

Before the game, we checked out the adjoining Phillies training complex.  The whole design of the ballpark and the three training fields is well done.  The public is welcome to watch the team and rookies practice each day, and as Spring Training progresses, watch team scrimmages and practice games.  While we were there today, rookies were being instructed in various fundamentals and practicing different skill drills.

Since it was opening day and the Phillies were playing the Yankees, the game was a sell-out (10,500 attendees).  There was a ceremony before the game and a surprise visit from the Phillie Phanatic, the team mascot.  He appeared to be in mid-season form, but I guess even team mascots need a little spring training.

Alas, the Phillies didn’t win the game but most of the regulars on both teams didn’t play.  Early spring training games usually include a lot of rookies, and non-roster players trying to make the team.  Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable game in a great venue.

Our next game is Monday, so tomorrow is laundry day and more relaxing.  A cold front is expected to bring a little rain and wind in the morning but clearing by noon with cooler temperatures.  

Day 30 Pictures

Spring Training Trip - Day 29

Today was spent here around the RV and walking around the RV park.  Pat did desk work, I read a lot and reorganized my closet.  (Every once in a while, you just have to do that.)  A few shore birds wandered by and we got pictures of them.   The blue heron flew by, too fast for a picture.  It was warm and humid again today, but we are not complaining.  I love it when the local weatherman (or woman) says things like “It’s really cool out this morning – 71 degrees!”  We who have spent many February and March in the upper middle west love it when 71 is called a “cool” winter temperature.

Day 29 Pictures

Spring Training Trip - Day 28

This morning we hung around the RV, then left for McDill AFB right before noon to pick up Pat’s prescription at the pharmacy there.  We decided to go to Frenchy’s On The Beach for a late lunch today – we had eaten there when we were here last year.  It is a lively place and a favorite spot to watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico in the evening.

After lunch, we did some shopping at the local Costco and came back to the RV.  We took a short walk around the resort at dusk, catching sight of a Great Blue Heron fishing in the bayou.  Tonight we are having a late light dinner because of our late heavy lunch.

Day 28 Pictures