Sure most players just stretch and play golf the first two weeks and the real action doesn’t pick up for a little while longer. But it’s the excitement of the new season and the feeling of fresh air that makes this time of the year so special.
Also, for MLB fans looking to get their baseball fix a little early, this is also the first weekend of the college baseball season. I know I’ll be attending a game at Auburn University as I’ve done to start off the past five baseball seasons. While it’s still pretty cold out there, just a glimpse of the field and sounds of the game are a thrill to ones’ ear.
These games aren’t as entertaining as when you’re sitting at Fenway Park or Turner Field, but it’s a nice glimpse of what’s to come and a great way of getting the season started.
Many players and coaches are already at their respective camps, and why wouldn’t they be. Spring Training is unlike a training camp for any other sport. It’s not a one month test to weed out the weak individuals. For most of the players it’s fun and somewhat of a vacation.
It’s also a great vacation for fans looking to get away from the cold weather and enjoy some baseball action. While I’ve never had the opportunity, I can’t wait for the chance to sit on the outfield grass and watch a baseball game feeling the wind coming off the beaches and the anticipation of a new season beginning.
Being at Spring Training is a great opportunity to see players up close and obtain autographs. The teams are also close together so in a four or five day trip you could probably visit several different stadiums and teams.
These games are meaningless to some degree, but each at bat is taken very seriously. There are still some roster spots up for grabs and it’s fun to see players fight hard during Spring Training to earn that spot.
It also gives sports fan something to do during this down period. NBA and college basketball are drowning through their seasons and won’t pick up until late March or April. We need something to get excited about and seeing that warm weather and knowing spring is near is enough to get anyone excited at this point.
For baseball fans this marks the beginning of the season of optimism. Every team is 0-0 and has a chance to win it all. We all have our hopes and aspirations for the season and at this point none of them have been erased. Spring is no doubt my favorite part of the year and this weekend is the best way to get it started.
You can follow Jake on Twitter at: @j8a1k0e or on his MLB Braves blog at: http://bravesandmore.mlblogs.com/
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