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!
