Spring Training Questions

I can’t speak for hotels at all. I have camped and stayed in motel 6’s.

The games are not the highlight. You’ll see plenty of people you have never heard of, especially from other teams. (teams often allow their stars to rest and not travel to tuscon to play the Rockies)

Instead, get to hi corbett early and go to the practice fields. That’s where you’ll get your autographs, videos of friedrich’s curve and hear players banter. Don’t miss this.

As for food, if you want good greasy Mexican, there are plenty of shady yet delicious Nico’s. For high quality beer and pizza/calzones, 1702 is impossible to beat. Other than that, I’ve got nothin

Esp about the practice fields. I guess I don’t expect to see a ton of stars…and that’s fine by me. I just want to see baseball:D

I will try to make a visit to Nico’s (honestly, who doesn’t love greasy Mexican food?) and 1702.

Thanks again!

There are 5 practice fields at the complex. There is a huge circle containing 4 and one additional practice field off to the side. The practice field way out there is where the pitchers usually take BP. It’s quite fun to watch them screw around, and it’s the best place to get autographs. You should be able to get the entire starting rotation’s autograph there if you wish.

The other 4 field are quite fun. There you can walk around with other fans, coaches, players, and Woody Paige. They usually have all 4 field filled with a ton of players, so finding one you actually know might be difficult. You might be able to find Matzek there if you look hard enough. Here is a picture I took in 08 of me sitting on a bench with Weathers ( I think) at the practice fields.

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/5582/springbreak135.jpg

I would arrive 2-3 hours before the game. That way, you can get a amazing parking spot right next to the stadium (and it’s free). I would suggest getting some in&out before hand (it’s just up the street from the park). Spend you time going in-between the 5 field. Talk to coaches and players or whoever you want. Walk to the stadium about 20 minutes before the game.

I would suggest the sandpile for tickets. They are dirt cheap (4 bucks) and work well for the price. There isn’t too much in the way of concessions at the park. Just you typical stuff. Thats about it for games.

I can’t tell you much about hotels. I still need to find one for this year. Food is the same as PF talked about.

Spring Training Tips.
I’ve been to every spring training facility in Florida at least twice and work on an MLB grounds crew. A lot of fun can be had at Spring Training. It’s my favorite time of the season.

Hopefully I can provide a few tips . Sunscreen and a camera go without saying.

Knowledge is king. Learn the where, when and how.
Be polite. Ask politely when asking for an autograph or ball. I’m not much of an autograph seeker however I do have over 200 baseballs from spring training just by either knowing where to stand for BP homers or foul balls. Or simply by asking politely- "Darryl. Can you please spare that ball?" (My first ball was from Darryl Hamilton.) Using first names are great and if you pose the question as if they can not "spare" the ball…they look cheap or stingy.
I once congratulated Nick Punto on the arrival of his first child while he was playing long toss before the game. He was appreciative that I knew about this and when he was finished, he tossed me the ball. I didn’t even have to ask. He’s a swell guy, by the way.

I also have quite a few pictures by asking if they "have time for a quick picture?"

Print team rosters including the umpires. Non roster invitees LOVE when you call them by their first name. Umps usually give the ball to little kids after a game and between most innings. Try to learn not just the MLB coaches names but also the minor league coaches names. Often time the big club will have the minor league coaches up for the first half of training. At least that’s how the Rays do it.

I don’t mean to push the "polite" factor" but I see just how players react to the fans. Both polite and rude. I can’t tell you how many times we hear "Hey. Gimme that ball".

Having been to so many spring training games, I see how NOT to act toward a player, coach and ump. You’d be surprised how rude and inconsiderate people can be.

Oh yeah….always be alert. For the most part, you are very close to the action and there are many distractions .

Hope this helps. Spring Awaits

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I’m planning on going, but the only time I can get there, there’s only one home game. Are there guys taking bp, doing drills, etc. on the practice fields? Are fans allowed to go there? Is it worth going? One game will be cool, but I’ll need more to get my baseball fix. I might have to check out a D-Backs game if I can’t get enough Rockies. Thanks.

I think Prince Fielder…I know it’s Poseidon’s Fist, but still…

Going to the games, etc has been pretty well covered so I’ll pass along some other info…

Hotels: Basically 3.5 types in Tucson…resorts that most of us here probably can’t afford, mid-level hotels (La Quinta, Doubletree, etc) whose general rates are unreasonably pushed high for peak season (cost on average 130-200 night) and then the lower echelon (Motel 6, Red Roof Inn, Super 8) that can be dodgy in multiple ways but ‘affordable.’ There are a handful of reasonable places that are relatively nice — we stayed at the La Siesta motel last year and found it agreeable. If you’re willing to stay in the northern suburbs/Marana you can usually find a decent rate but add on longer driving time to the games/downtown/university district. Also, keep in mind Tucson hotels add an almost 13% tax on your daily rate.

Nightlife: I used to pursue this a bit more vigorously a few years ago but not so much anymore :) (heck, we’re meeting my boyfriend’s parents for a couple days this year). Of course, the hotspots move around but there are places in the University district of course and some hep places downtown — we’ve gone to a few decent shows at Club Congress over the years.

Restaurants: I haven’t been to a ‘bad’ mexican restaurant but not very many great ones either. Sometimes a taco stand or van on the side of the road can be the best. There are some southwestern style that are a bit pricier but usually good. Most of the pizza places arn’t that good (subjective I know); surprising for a college town. Brooklyn Pizza Company on 4th Avenue is usually good and you can get slices late at night. The Blue Willow is a breakfast/lunch place that’s worth going too (although it was kinda iffy last year) and the various Good Eggs around town usually serve up decent grub. The brewpubs around town have moderate to generally tasty fare. Have to admit since In-n-Out arrived on the scene we end up going there before/after rox games a lot ;) There are some tasty ethnic eateries around the campus and surrounding areas although Thai restaurants are usually not impressive for whatever reason. Baggins sandwich shops are a little pricey but you get a huge sandwich that can take the place of two meals. Note I did not mention any food at the ballpark; jump to your own conclusions.

Side trips/other things to do: Since the weather is usually quite pleasant we like to do outdoorsy things. If you have a car I’d recommend going to either of the Saguaro Parks (west and east of town) and take a short hike/at least watch the sunset. Also strongly recommend going to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (which is a combo zoo/garden) — go earlier to avoid the crowds and midday heat. If you’re astronomically minded at all, a trip to Kitt Peak Observatory is scenic and entertaining (if you sign up for the night program you get to drive partially down the mountain with your lights turned off, fun!). Oh, and the Reid Park Zoo is a good place to spend a few hours before a game. For the nerds among us, the main UA bookstore on campus is always worth a trip for local titles/guides, etc. Bookmans stores are huge mostly used book/magazine/CD/other media stores worth browsing through…

Finally, enjoy your ST in Tucson since it’s the LAST TIME. While the big shiny new complexes in Phoenix are what teams want they definently exude ‘baseball as a business’ and lack any sort of charm. Plus, while Tucson has certainly grown in the past fifteen years it has still managed to retain a smaller quirky desert town vibe whereas um, Phoenix does not. Spending hours in traffic going between ST complexes is probably the main thing you’ll remember about Phoenix.

for others now that ST is underway.

from early ST to late ST. We are going for the first time over spring break. I have tickets to the last two games, taking my 4 year old twins (and lovely wife). I would guess players are a little less receptive after 6 weeks of spring and more eager to get on with the season by then.

BTW, I found all this info very helpful, not a lame post at all!

fiberindenver asks:

Just came across Purplerow, looks great i will enjoy this.

Heading down to ST next week, any suggestions on where to stay? I have always wanted to go and catch it. This is going to be a great time, I hoping the hotels are reasonable but I have not had a great deal of luck online, Any suggestions are greatly appreciated! Why is it that the FanPost have to be atleast 75 words… I’m done.

Feel free to peruse this thread and if it doesn’t answer your questions I’m sure that someone will be happy to help.

mar 11 – 16 will be boucing abit, but 4 are at Hi Corbett! rooms booked, ready to roll!