I have heard it said that the four sweetest words in the English Language are: "Pitchers and Catchers Report." Yes, the dawn of spring. New beginnings. A fresh start. New hope. New optimism. And in the world of Major League Baseball, and America's historically "favorite pastime", it ushers in the beginning stages of "spring training", where MLB teams flock south to Florida, (and west to Arizona), to begin the grind. Today is that day.
Three years ago, I was able to take my family down to Sarasota (after a few days at Disney!), spring home of my Baltimore Orioles for my first experience of spring training. My wife, Tessa was pregnant with our girl, Evelyn so it was us and the boys. This was a bucket list event for me. And it did not disappoint. First, we got to escape from the typical snowy and icy Maryland weather, to the warm and delightful Sarasota weather. We went to beautiful Siesta Key beach, less than 10 miles from Ed Smith Stadium. And of course, we got to enjoy the Birds in action. An intimate, family stadium environment where you could easily hear the players throughout the game, easily meet them after the game, and enjoy the great game of baseball in a relaxed, paradise environment.
JT taking it in.
Cal Ripken was there signing autographs.
Yes, O's and MLB legend Cal Ripken was also there, as he often is supporting his O's! Our last game there prior to leaving back home was a classic. The O's played the rival Blue Jays. Down by 3 in the ninth, the O's mounted a comeback. A classic, Orioles Magic comeback. Then Ryan Flaherty came to bat with the O's still down by 2 and 2 men on base, with 2 outs. I sensed something dramatic was about to happen and got my phone out to record. He worked the count full. And then, yes...a dramatic walk-off 3 run HR to win the game!
A sweet moment, and a great way to cap off our first visit to Sarasota! Then after the game while we were down at the O's dugout, congratulating Ryan and the team as they came off the field, Buck Showalter took a moment to come over and sign a baseball for us! Not surprising at all. I love this man. (And BTW, a separate post coming on him soon!).
After the game, we went over and saw Cal while he was mingling with fans and signing autographs. It was a sweet day. It was a sweet trip. We plan to go back next spring. And one day, (retirement) our hope is to escape the nasty local weather, and spend the entire month of March down w/the O's in Spring Training!
Yes, the dawn of spring is here. Pitchers and Catchers Report today! Let's Go O's!