Thursday, February 26 – Although the Cleveland Indians and the Spring Training Cactus League don't begin games until Tuesday, March 3, we decided to head to the baseball field in Goodyear, Arizona, to enjoy the team at practice. Man did we have a good time!
We started our visit at the Stadium where the games are held.
We were here three years ago; it seems like yesterday. We walked briefly around the stadium for some necessary photo opts.
We then stopped in the team store to check-out the “Spring Training” t-shirts. Yep, we each got one!
The Indians practice down the road from the stadium with the team spread out on seven different fields. The public has access to four of these fields.
The fields are awesome!
The players walk down the sidewalk to the fields to give fans opportunities to take pictures and shout out words of encouragement. It always surprises us how different many of the players look in person. On TV they appear bigger in some cases and smaller in others.
Nick Swisher and Ryan Rayburn
Michael Brantley. Marsha thinks he is just so cute and an excellent ball player!
We are both Indians fans but Marsha takes it one or two steps further than Paul. She's crazy about them! She took numerous pictures and even got a picture with the former manager Mike Hargrove (1991–99). He led the Indians to five consecutive AL Central Division titles in 1995–99, and World Series appearances in 1995 and 1997.. Marsha says to the ladies…He is so handsome close up!
Later during practice, Hargrove was hitting balls and tossed one to Marsha remembering her from the photo opt. Does Paul have something to worry about here? Ha ha!!
We were a little surprised to see Terry Francona, the manager, actually hitting the ball to the players during infield practice. WOW! Thought those top guys only did the managing....LOL
We watched the team practice for quite awhile. We saw some infield drills, pitching practice and then finished up the morning with batting practice. What beautiful swings these professional players have. Amazing!
Kyle Crockett did an outstanding job for the Indians last year.
Jason Kipnis had his ups and downs last year. Hope there are more
ups than down this year.
Carlos Santana looks like he has slimmed down quite a bit.
Our catcher, Yan Gomes, had an outstanding 2014 season.
After a couple hours the team began moving toward the indoor facilities so we called it a day and headed home. It was a fun and interesting day. Next week the games begin, and we have plans to attend at least three games. Go Tribe!
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!
Another wonderful day in the sunshine watching you favorite team practice. I guess we are the odd balls not being sports fans.
ReplyDeletewould have liked to watch a practice but we left too early...
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to go to Ft Myers Florida one day for Red Sox Spring training. Have fun and enjoy your month there.
ReplyDeleteLooks like such fun! Sad we missed it! Next time for sure!
ReplyDeleteI think you have a strong infatuation with all those Indians! It's a wonder you haven't asked yet to be on the mound and throw a few pitches to them. I think that's something you would definitely want a photo or two of.
ReplyDeleteNot sure I've seen Marsha smile this huge since the last time you guys were there:) Someone is very happy to see all her "boys" out there practicing:) So glad you had a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteMy Dad would have loved to tag along with you... but the Cincinnati Reds were his very favorites. He used to take the train from Athens to Cincy to go to the games... did you ever do that from the Canton area? (might be before your time)
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a very fun day. I never acquired the baseball gene thus I'll stick with the hiking trails ;-)
ReplyDeleteWhen we lived in Phoenix spring training was always on the agenda. Looks like a fun-filled day!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great day
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