2011 Spring Training Thread

[BMH]

Re: 2011 Spring Training Thread

Landed in Phoenix today, nice flight in...had a medical emergency on the plane so they kicked it up a notch and let go straight in, knocked half an hour off the flight. Start with the Reds tomorrow and hit the Cubs Sunday. Seeing the rest of the teams until the 28th then get to go back home. Weather isn't as warm as I was hoping. I should have brought my mountain bike.

[sox83cubs84]

Re: 2011 Spring Training Thread

If you're going for baseballs, keep in mind that, while all MLB teams allow baseballs legally caught in BP to be kept, it can go either way on minor league diamonds. When in Tucson the White Sox were nothing but wonderful to me...one day, I was by myself, and had to give about half my catches back...NO because the Sox farmhands wanted hem back, but because there was only room for 20 or so in my bag, and I nabbed 36 of 'em!

On the other hand, I hawked a diamond the Astros minor leaguers were hitting on in Kissimmee about 15 years ago, and, after nabbing my seventh, a minor league coach (Jack Billingham) actually came out to where I was, demaned the 7 baseballs back, and chided me that I was "trespassing" and he could "have me arrested". The next time I went there, more fans joined me and we all got to keep our catches. The difference? The second time there was a game shceduled at the MLB stadium, and such was not the case the first time when Billingham confronted me (which probably explained the "trespassing" comment.

Dave Miedema

[both-teams-played-hard]

Re: 2011 Spring Training Thread

If you're going for baseballs, keep in mind that, while all MLB teams allow baseballs legally caught in BP to be kept, it can go either way on minor league diamonds. When in Tucson the White Sox were nothing but wonderful to me...one day, I was by myself, and had to give about half my catches back...NO because the Sox farmhands wanted hem back, but because there was only room for 20 or so in my bag, and I nabbed 36 of 'em!

On the other hand, I hawked a diamond the Astros minor leaguers were hitting on in Kissimmee about 15 years ago, and, after nabbing my seventh, a minor league coach (Jack Billingham) actually came out to where I was, demaned the 7 baseballs back, and chided me that I was "trespassing" and he could "have me arrested". The next time I went there, more fans joined me and we all got to keep our catches. The difference? The second time there was a game shceduled at the MLB stadium, and such was not the case the first time when Billingham confronted me (which probably explained the "trespassing" comment.

Dave Miedema

Jack Billingham and I graduated from Winter Park High School (he's about 25 years older). I went to High School with his daughter. She carried in her wallet a photo of her and Johnny Bench that was printed in the Cincinnati Enquirer in the 70s. My mother taught Jack Billingham's grandson in the 5th grade, a few years ago.
I have many found memories of Osceola Stadium at Spring Training in the mid 80s.

[RRexpressfan94]

Re: 2011 Spring Training Thread

i may be going to phoenix with my dad during the week of 3/14. being 16 and appear to look more like a kid then some guys, may have some luck getting some players to give me some GU stuff

[lehmsbobby]

Re: 2011 Spring Training Thread

I'm in the same boat RRexpress. Last year went down for two weekends.


First day of the trip- got to batboy for the Giants and got a game used John Bowker bat, got to see Posey and others from the inside and chat with the players.

Next weekend- three bats, one shattered rusty ryal, one nobody from the angels, but its always my favorite trip of the year.

Unfortunately with SAT's only am taking one trip down this year, to see the Giants first 3 games since the World Series! should be a mad house

[BMH]

Re: 2011 Spring Training Thread

Here are a few shots from my trip so far. No real shots of anyone up close. I'm not very comfortable doing that since I've got to work with these guys and unlike the media they usually don't run away from us since we are giving them free stuff. Anyway, forgot my camera during the Reds visit and was in a hurry to leave the Cubs. Shultzy with Colorado gave us a grand tour of the new facility and I must say it is super nice.

[lehmsbobby]

Re: 2011 Spring Training Thread

10 hours till flight time! Ill try and take some pics of the reigning world champs and keep you guys updated on the best weekend of the year!!!

[lehmsbobby]

Re: 2011 Spring Training Thread

Hey Guys,

just got back from the mecca and am really sad to come home, always the best weekend of the year. I'm hoping as a high school senior already finished with his apps next year to come down for at least a week next spring training.

Anways I arrived friday, actually was on the same plane as Giants radio announcer Dave Fleming which was cool. Got to the game as the gates opened and started on a World Series ball. I was a bit disorganized on what I exactly wanted, but ended up getting Buster Posey and Aubrey Huff on the ball. Not a great day, but gave me insight on my goal for the year: all the starters (hitters/pitchers) and Bochy on one ball. Went to my favorite Don and Charlie's for dinner and saw Jeff Kent, Bud Selig, Xavier Nady, and Brad Ziegler, an average showing for D and C's.

Saturday: Same team arrived early, had a weak pre game as I didnt get a great spot for autos. Only added Jonathon Sanchez to the ball. However after the game I scored a Tony Delmonico game used bat that is cracked but with some cool use.

Sunday: Game at the new Dbacks facility. Absolutely stunning. Native Americans gave them 200 mil to build it and boy is it crazy. Looks like a mini regular season ballpark. Anyways I scored great front row tix so I got to talk to the guys as they walked to the on-deck circle. Giants arrived pretty late, and I was only able to add Pablo Sandoval to the ball, and was thrown a ball by Buster Posey.

Overall it was not my best year for autos or GU, but seeing the world champs made it a year to remember. I encourage others who visit spring training to give us some reports, as I'd love to hear your guys's stories.

[lcstate collector]

Re: 2011 Spring Training Thread

Here is my ST update. Got back from AZ on Sunday. I had a great spring training. I watched an intersquad game in Goodyear with the Indians, went to the Peoria Fan Fest, and saw the Rangers and Royals play. I got 61 different players to autograph various items. Talked a lot with Brendan Ryan, went to the same college as me, he is a great guy. The only game used item I picked up was a homerun ball Josh Hamilton hit during batting practice. I am thinking of going back in a few weeks. Drew

[markfd]

Re: 2011 Spring Training Thread

My Spring Training 2011 trip has come and gone. I was down at Nats camp in Viera this past Friday-Sunday. It was a great time as usual, this was my 6th Nats Spring Training and probably my most successful in getting the signatures I wanted. I will post photos once I download and organize them from my camera. I got the following GU items signed:

Bats
Ian Desmond 2010 Bat (cracked)
Danny Espinosa 2010 Bat (cracked)
Jesus Flores 2008 Bat (broken in two)
Livan Hernandez Bat (uncracked) not sure when it was used
Jordan Zimmermann 2010 bat (uncracked)

Jerseys
Drew Storen 2010 (alternate red)
Yunesky Maya 2010 (alternate red)
Chris Marrero 2008 (1st big league camp coolbase blue)
Destin Hood 2009 (1st big league camp home white jersey)

There is a story about Destin Hood. Destin was in accelerated minor league camp again this year. When I asked him to sign his first pro jersey, he checked it out and thought it was really cool and then he commented as he was signing that he wished the team gave the players first crack at buying their own jersey. I then told him I had the coolbase jersey he wore everyday at his first camp in my bag too and that he could have it and he was giddy and almost speechless, he thanked me very much and ran back into the locker room so he could put it away before practice. I was happy to reunite Destin with his jersey.

[allstarsplus]

Re: 2011 Spring Training Thread

My Spring Training 2011 trip has come and gone. I was down at Nats camp in Viera this past Friday-Sunday. It was a great time as usual, this was my 6th Nats Spring Training and probably my most successful in getting the signatures I wanted. I will post photos once I download and organize them from my camera. I got the following GU items signed:

Bats
Ian Desmond 2010 Bat (cracked)
Danny Espinosa 2010 Bat (cracked)
Jesus Flores 2008 Bat (broken in two)
Livan Hernandez Bat (uncracked) not sure when it was used
Jordan Zimmermann 2010 bat (uncracked)

Jerseys
Drew Storen 2010 (alternate red)
Yunesky Maya 2010 (alternate red)
Chris Marrero 2008 (1st big league camp coolbase blue)
Destin Hood 2009 (1st big league camp home white jersey)

There is a story about Destin Hood. Destin was in accelerated minor league camp again this year. When I asked him to sign his first pro jersey, he checked it out and thought it was really cool and then he commented as he was signing that he wished the team gave the players first crack at buying their own jersey. I then told him I had the coolbase jersey he wore everyday at his first camp in my bag too and that he could have it and he was giddy and almost speechless, he thanked me very much and ran back into the locker room so he could put it away before practice. I was happy to reunite Destin with his jersey.

Mark, I love the Destin Hood story. That was so nice of you to do that for him as that was certainly a priceless act of kindness.

[Klattsy]

Re: 2011 Spring Training Thread

I then told him I had the coolbase jersey he wore everyday at his first camp in my bag too and that he could have it and he was giddy and almost speechless, he thanked me very much and ran back into the locker room so he could put it away before practice. I was happy to reunite Destin with his jersey.

Good gesture Mark. I once gave a player all the baseball cards I had of his because he said he collected them too. I was depressed for a while as I then didn't have any, but karma came back and last year he was auctioning off some of his stuff, he sent me 2 jerseys, a sleeveless jersey (all signed) and a dugout jacket for next to nix, plus he also certified a GU bat on eBay for me. Good deeds don't go un-rewarded!

Mark.

[dcgreg25]

Re: 2011 Spring Training Thread

Heading down to Indians ST with my dad next week. My first trip...looking forward to it.

[Rob L]

Re: 2011 Spring Training Thread

Got back from Angels Spring Training on Sunday. Watched the Angels kick the Dodgers butt on opening day. Kids got alot of autographs, including Jered Weaver and best of all - Mike Trout. A great time as always. I love these yearly weekend trips. The tickets with the family and dinner while we are out there are my anniversary gift every year!

[jake33]

Re: 2011 Spring Training Thread

anyone at or going to orioles spring training? Looking for get a helmet autographed.... email jahimiak33@yahoo.com