Comments on: Spring Training Guide – Part 3

By: Jim Crikket

Jim Crikket — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 23:56:12 +0000

Dan, I’ve only gone to a couple of night games at Hammond over the past few years and to be honest, last year I took advantage of that day to head to Ft. Myers Beach for the day, then went to the game that night.

That said, I would think there would be SOME players working out that morning. In particular, those pitchers who are not scheduled to pitch that night are likely to spend time working on fielding bunts, covering 1B on grounders to the right side, and maybe (if you’re really lucky) even some BP by the pitchers (which is always entertaining). Likewise, I would imagine some workouts by position players not scheduled to start/play that night wouldn’t be unlikely.

I imagine it’s quite possible that the Twins would give the day off to the guys scheduled to play most of the night game.

Of course, the minor league complex will still be hopping.

By: Dan B.

Dan B. — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 20:44:45 +0000

I am thinking of going to a Twins Spring Training game this year. I will be in the Fort Myers area for a week. I am going to attend a night game at the Twins home field. Since it is a night game, will the big leaguers still practice on the practice fields in the morning?

By: Jim Crikket

Jim Crikket — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 00:26:18 +0000

Was it the Beached Whale?

By: jamar1700

jamar1700 — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 00:20:12 +0000

Well I could have watched pitching drills all day.

Not sure what the name of the place is where we had lunch that day on Ft. Myers beach, but the setting itself was worth the 45 mn wait. As I recall the Margaritas were pretty good too. I don’t remember the food, however

By: lisatwink

lisatwink — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 21:29:50 +0000

Welcome back Thome!! I’m totally stoked that worked out.

By: Jim Crikket

Jim Crikket — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:42:28 +0000

Kirsten, when you talk to your doctor, I’d suggest you not mention doing it “Spring Break college kid style”… I’m all for it, personally, because I can still vaguely remember what it’s like to be young (I even try to pretend I still am… I’m good for a night or two occasionally, but not for a whole week!).

D.K., I’m not an early riser on vacation, even at Spring Training, so I’m not sure what time the players take to the field in the mornings. I’ll just say that I’ve been there as early as 9 am and there were players in the cages and on the practice fields by then.

The price for admission to watch the practices (both Major League and minor league) is a very affordable FREE! You don’t need a ticket for anything until you walk through the turnstile to get in to the stadium itself (as usual, that is where the Twins take batting practice before the games, however… so that sort of “practice” is only visible once you’ve bought your game ticket and entered the stadium).

By: D.K.

D.K. — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:31:04 +0000

Thanks – great info! Also more interested in watching the practices on the secondary fields. Do you need tickets and what time do those usually start?

By: Kirsten

Kirsten — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:30:11 +0000

My family calls it “sani-hell” island. The aquarium while cool, should be avoided at peak traffic hours in order to avoid screaming children and indulgent grandparents who let them continue screaming…then buy them ice cream. (Just what they need, sugar to fuel more tantrums)

You and my cousin have similar priorities. He thinks it’s absolutely AWESOME that the players do all the same drills that he does. (I think he just likes ST because Joe Mauer signed a ball for him and filched him a piece of bubble gum)

Nice reviews! I look forward to using some of these reasons to convince my doc that I need to go catch some rays instead of having surgery…again.

If I go, I’ll be sure and let you know, though I’m warning you, it’ll be spring break college kid style.