Day 6 - Spring Training 2009

As I have mentioned, I went to Florida in March both to see my Mom and Step-Dad and to go to a few Twins Spring Training games. I was able to get to three games in the week that I spent in Sarasota. This is the second year that I have been able to go to Spring Training and certainly seems to be on the path to becoming a tradition. Don't ask what would happen if the Twins moved to Arizona like so many other teams have, Mom did not like my answer when she asked.

For the first game of the weekend Mom and I made the 30 minute drive up to Bradenton to McKechnie Field the Spring Training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jerry was working and unable to join us for the first game. This was the first trip for both of us to McKechnie Field, it is a much different setting than Hammond Field in Ft Myers. It is right in the middle of the city with parking in private lots and on the streets in the area. From talking to others at the game we learned that the stadium is only used for the Pirates and then sits empty for the rest of the year. It is an older stadium (built in 1923) but has obviously seen some more recent renovations.

One thing I enjoy about Spring Training games is how relaxed most people seem. By the middle of March when I was there most players have a good idea of wether they will make the Major League team or be heading for a Minor League team. The players that know they will likely be sent down still play as hard as anyone hoping for that chance to go North with the team in a couple weeks.

The mascots have a lot of fun interacting with the smaller crowds. The attendance at this game was only 5,215, compared to around 25,000 at an average Twins game at the Metrodome. Here the Pirates mascot "Pirate Parrot" makes a phone call on a giant mascot sized cell phone.

A view of the game and field. I honestly did not remember who won the game but found it online, the Pirates won 6-4.
On Friday afternoon all three of us made the drive South to Ft Myers. The plan was a game on Friday night followed by a Saturday afternoon game.

Hammond Stadium was packed as the Twins hosted the Cincinnati Reds in front of 8,076 mostly Minnesota fans. It probably did not hurt that fireworks were planned after the game ended.

Francisco Liriano took the loss in a close 1-0 loss for the Twins. The fireworks made it a little better, but just a little. Unfortunately I did not get any photos even close to acceptable of them.

On Saturday we arrived at Hammond Field early so that we could walk around the training fields that surround the stadium. The Twins have built a wonderful facility that they use year round for both Spring Training as well as the Class A Ft Myers Miracle. Before the games start hundreds of fans are free to roam the outer fields and watch the lower level players get in daily practice. I never thought it would be all that entertaining to watch people take fielding practice but it gives you a good sense of how much work they are putting in.

Here pitchers are practicing pickoff moves to first base and doing pitchers fielding drills.


After going into the stadium we were quickly greeted by Twins Mascot TC Bear entertaining the crowd before the game started.

Joe Nathan getting an inning of work in as the Twins suffered another loss on Saturday, this time to the Florida Marlins 9-5.
Saturday would be the last game we would go to this year. We had a wedding anniversary to celebrate on Sunday back in Sarasota. But that is a story for another post.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot . . . What was my answer when Mom asked what would happen if the Twins moved to Arizona for Spring Training? I don't remember exactly what I said but I know it consisted of me suggesting they consider relocating to Arizona if they would like to continue to see me in the Spring. I tried to save myself by claiming I was only partially kidding. Not sure if that worked or not, but I have already been invited to come back next Spring.