Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh

If it's March in Florida, it must be time for Spring Training. Naturally, if I'm in Florida in March, I'm going to a game or four. Here are a few shots from an Orioles/Pirates game contested in Sarasota on March 20, 2010. By the way, after a nine-year absence, I forgot how intense the sun can be in Florida, even in March. Fortunately, I did remember the sunscreen.

Cincinnati vs. Boston

I arrived at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota at about noon for a 1:05 game between the Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds. I always thought Ed Smith Stadium was nice, but after two games in City of Palms Park in Fort Myers, Smith seems pretty spartan. Plus, City of Palms has a canopy covering the stadium seats (not the bleachers), providing loads of shade. Smith doesn't - there's not much shade at all. It also seemed that the games were more fun and relaxing in Fort Myers.

The game did not go well for my Red Sox, losing 3-0. But I did get to see Ken Griffey Jr. play; smaller dude than I expected.

The visiting team (Sox) was on the third base side, which is where the sun was most direct. After being there for five innings, I moved to the first base side, even though it was in enemy territory. Couldn't help it - shade was available. I had been standing during the game, since my ticket was standing room only. But about two minutes after I moved, a guy with two box tickets left, and gave me the tickets. I gave one ticket to a fellow stander and we sat down. The seats were in the second row behind the Reds dugout on the first base line, right across from the batter. Probably the best seat of the three games I attended.

Preparing the field for play.

One of my Boston players swinging away.

Griffey Jr. at bat.

Boston vs. Minnesota

City of Palms Park in Fort Myers is a beautiful ballpark. Lots of shaded seating and relaxed atmosphere. My friends arrived in time for the game against the Twins, and it was a good one. Of course, it was very crowded and we had to stand, but we didn't care.

During the game, my friend caught a foul ball and was an instant celebrity. It flew up and hit the back wall above the highest seats, then came back down to where we were. My friend reached up and snagged it from behind with one hand. The crowd went wild. For the rest of the game, people would come up and congratulate him on the catch. Kids were coming up to see the ball. It was a blast.

During the sixth inning, we were able to sit. This time, it was in the second row behind the Red Sox dugout, right across from the batters box. Another great game.

The field at City of Palms Park.

In play.


In play.

Boston vs. Philadelphia

I got to Fort Myers, where I wanted to scope out City of Palms Park so I would be familiar with it on Saturday for the baseball game. I tried to turn left on Edison to get to the ballpark, but there was a traffic jam. Ahhhh, there's a baseball game today, as well. Made a U-turn and started down a different street. Realized I'd come all this way, so I might as well go to this game too. Turned around and found parking only four blocks from the park.

Got a general admission ticket for $6.00 - standing room only. Found a nice spot to stand behind the third base line. Husband and wife next to me must have been visiting from up north. Could tell by the conversations they had with three people they'd run into that they knew from up north. Small world.

Boston and Philly had a good game. We (Boston) won 12 to 7. There were several homers, including two by Jason Veritek. Didn't get to see Pedro or Nomar play, though.

After five innings, of of the park staff seated me - in the very front row behind the Red Sox dugout directly across from the pitcher's mound. Excellent place for the final 3 1/2 innings. Almost got bonked by a pop fly, though.

Left the ballpark around 3:45 or so - not sure. Realized I had not eaten lunch, but that was OK since breakfast was so big. Drove back to Sarasota.