So, What’s It Like Down In Tampa?

I’ve never been to Spring Training. It’s on my wish-list…has been, for years. I’ve heard from folks who have gone in the past that, once you go, you’ll want to do it every year for the rest of your life. Then again, I’ve also heard some bad stories about how the Yankees run their camp like a police state – compared to other teams and the experience for their fans.

Well, our buddy and reader “Clintfsu813″ made it down to Yankee camp and has just filed this report on the experience:

My buddy and I got out to Legends Field at around 9 am on Saturday. Over on the practice field we noticed someone throwing a bullpen session with Girardi and Dave Eiland looking on. It wasn’t till I got closer that I saw the #42 on the pitcher’s back. I was thrilled just to watch a legend just going about his business. After he finished his session he leaves to exit the field. At this time there were about 20 fans standing around the practice field fence. The next five minutes were honestly a blur. Mo walks directly up to the fence, right where I was standing. I extended my ball through the slit in the fence and as he grabbed the ball he asked me my name. I told him Clint. “Nice jersey, Clint,” he says. I had completely forgotten I was wearing my #42 replica jersey! I watched as he signed my buddy’s ball and everyone else’s. Not once did he ask anyone else’s name. Wow. I had never been that close to any Yankee player, let alone one of the greatest Yankees..nay players..in baseball history. I was also able to get Damaso Marte’s autograph a little later. He was very accommodating, and even suggested a sharpie rather than a ball point pen to sign his picture in the program. We also got walk-by hello’s from Chan Ho and Girardi, though neither stopped. Thankfully my day wasn’t over yet. After the game, which we won BTW, I walked over to the Suite holder’s Lobby next to the gift shop. They had replica trophy’s from the last 5 championships. As I was snapping a picture of the ’96 trophy, the elevator dings and out walks one Tino Martinez. Thinking quickly I stuck out my hand and simply said “Hey Tino.” He shook it and said hey back. What an insane experience! I tell ya..I will never forget that day. To go from idolizing these guys to meeting them in person was something I’ll tell my kids and grandkids about. I’m looking forward to attending the April 3rd game and hoping for similar luck.

Now, if that doesn’t make you all green-eyed and hot for Spring Training, what would? Thanks to Clint for sharing…you lucky dog you!

Filed under Trap Door Items ·  Print This Post ·  Email This Post