Are You Going to Spring Training?
by LeoBloom on Feb 9, 2009 1:38 PM EST
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PrintIs anyone here planning on making a trip down to Surprise to see the Royals this spring? I've never gone, and probably won't anytime soon, but I was nevertheless curious about it.
Also, if anyone has done both, is there a consensus as to which is a better trip: Arizona or Florida? Don't make me go to the Hooters webpage myself to answer this question.
Overall, regarding Spring Training, I can't decide if it's a really overrated experience, or an underrated one. Like most things, it was probably much cooler 10-15 years ago, when the barriers to access and prices were both much lower.
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Yes, I plan on going, but probably not to Surprise
I will catch the two games here in Tucson (I live 1/2 mile from the Rockies stadium – crawling distance) when the Royals come down. I might make a trip up Phoenix, but prefer to goto the closer stadiums on the South side of town, instead of going to Surprise (south Vegas).
ST is what you make of it. I love and hate it for these reasons:
Pros –
Get to see all the players player, even if it is for a short time each game.
Practice is easy to watch (and easier if some of the player’s wives/GFs are there).
Players and coaches are easy to talk to. Autographs are easy to get and I haven’t bought a ball in years to get signed because of ones given to me or caught.
Cons –
The games are non-competitive POS.
Also, It all depends on the park for the closeness to the game, some stadiums are good and others not so good.
I'd love to rent out your garage or spare bedroom sometime.
Unfortunately, as a baseball coach, I never have a spring break. I never had one in college or HS because I played baseball as well…. I’m disappointed. One day I’ll be there!
That's why we play the season on paper.
Than Florida -- yes.
Longest distance between any two stadiums is 2-3 hours (depending on traffic).
by Jeff Zimmerman on Feb 9, 2009 3:07 PM EST up reply actions
Would really like to someday
Maybe when my son is older.
I am also determined to go to Fantasy camp someday.
I’ve heard Arizona ST is 1000x better than Florida ST. Better weather, everything is closer, and the towns aren’t as dumpy.
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
which location has better skanks?
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by Matt Klaassen on Feb 9, 2009 6:17 PM EST up reply actions
went to high school in Florida, now has spring training in Arizona
+ now has a lot of money.
Founder of the Johnny Giavotella fan club.
What age do you like your skanks - they are every where.
Suprise, Peoria, Glendale — 70 to 80 year old skanks
Tempe area – college skanks
Scottsdale – Rich MF skanks (cougars)
Mesa – Mormon chicks
Phoenix proper – Hispanic skanks
by Jeff Zimmerman on Feb 9, 2009 6:35 PM EST up reply actions
hey now...
I represent that comment :\
Wait…
Listen to the MUSTN'Ts, child Listen to the DON'Ts Listen to the SHOULDN'Ts, The IMPOSSIBLEs, the WON'Ts Listen to the NEVER HAVEs Then listen close to me-- Anything can happen, child, ANYTHING can be --Shel Silverstein
by loyal2theroyals on Feb 13, 2009 12:49 AM EST up reply actions
Had oppurtunity to go this year
My father offered me a free plane ticket to the Twins camp (he is a twins fan) this year, but the Bar exam is forcing me to delay Valentines day and my girls birthday until the week we were going to go down. It kind of sucks, I would really love to go to training someday to get away from the “show.” I love watching minor league ball with all the hustle and desire . . . I can imagine ST might be the same way
Mr. Weatherstone
by Mr. Weatherstone on Feb 9, 2009 4:15 PM EST reply actions
Yep - I live in Phoenix
Will make at least one trip to Surprise and maybe visit some of the stadiums closer to my house when the Royals play. Surprise is surprisingly very far away from me considering I technically live in the same metro area
definitely!!
I went to my first spring training last year in Surprise. Took my parents as a Xmas gift and we had a wonderful time. So, this year a friend of mine who is a big Dodger fan is going with me from Orange County, CA to see the Royals vs. Dodgers on March 20 and then catch a couple more weekend games.
My mom got a big kick out of seeing George Brett closeup last year talking with Alex Gordon. I’ve been rooting for the Kansas City teams since the early 60s and saw my first game, Athletics vs. the Minnesota Twins, in 1964.
My mom’s cousin volunteers at the Surprise Stadium duriing Royals games. She says there are about 600 volunteers working the stadium throughout spring training. In exchange, the Royals donate millions to the community for youth sports, etc.
Ken
No
I wish. Two things I want to do and havne’t done.
Go to Spring Training and go to Opening Day… hopefully I’ll get lucky one of these days and find time.
by Royal from Queens on Feb 9, 2009 7:53 PM EST reply actions
Spring Training is fun
It is nice to just be in a small stadium in nice weather. It is a fun and relaxed atmosphere. I’ve been to both FL and AZ. I lived in Florida while Royals were still in Baseball City. Went to see them there and also down to Winter Haven (I think) to see Cinncinnati with a friend who’s a fan of them.
AZ is better because of the relative closeness compared to FL. However, I concur with others here that it is surprising how far away some of them are from each other. Did the AZ trip about 4(?) years ago. That is when Appier was trying to come back on the Royals and resulted in the picture of him currently on my profile. Anyway, I live in Seattle so we stayed in Scottsdale for some reason. My buddy booked the place. But, went to see games at Peoria (Royals v Ms), at Surprise (Royals v Ms) and Scottsdale (SFG v Cubs?). Also took a day off of baseball and went to see horse racing. But, lots of fun. It was easy to get into the Royals games and get decent seats – probably still true. The SF Giants game was totally packed. But, lots (LOTS) of scenery!
Feb 13!!
Never been before but am going down the week of the 15th.
Already booked tickets for three games. I’m stoked. It was my wife’s idea. Damn was I smart (read: lucky) to marry her.
i'll be there...
weekend of march 15th. have a fantasy draft with all my college buddies. will see three games…
The Last Word on EVERYTHING
by Billex Gordler on Feb 10, 2009 12:20 PM EST reply actions
HIghly recommend
ST is great. Close to players. Easy-going. Great weather. Cool ballparks. Surprise (KC/Texas) is nice. Peoria (Seattle) is nice. The Giants stadium in Scottsdale is very cool.
Do it. You’ll be glad you did.
I would, but I only got an NRI
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