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Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Spring Training is calling me …
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mr. Chop Chick and I have gone to watch the Braves in Orlando five of the past six years, and we’re heading down next week for what has become an annual tradition. The trips are a little different now — the little Chopper, who’s 3, doesn’t really enjoy going to five games in three days, so we’ve cut back to three games in three days — but it’s still a blast.
I’m excited about checking out Jordan Schafer in person, and we’re hoping to watch Jair Jurrjens extend that scoreless streak. Seeing Tom Glavine back in a Braves uni will be nice as well. (Having done my best to ignore my favorite player for five years, I’m looking forward to being able to root for him again.) After the cold winter we’ve had, I’m also just eager to sit out in the sunshine and be warm again.
Most of all, though, I love hearing the sounds of the game and watching the guys have so much fun. It’s a vivid reminder of why we really do love this game. (If you haven’t read it, pick up a copy of ‘Why Time Begins on Opening Day’ by Tom Boswell.)
One of my favorite memories is of a spring game that John Smoltz was brought in to close during his stint in the ‘pen. With two outs and a two-strike count, the crowd stood and clapped and yelled, just as if it were a real game, and you know the competitive fire was there for Smoltzie, too. (But then, when isn’t it there for him?) He struck the guy out, and the place erupted. Very cool for what was supposed to be an exhibition game.
So have you been down to Spring Training? Are you going this year? Do you have it on your to-do list for a future season?
What are your favorite things about it? What would be special about this year? Any tips to offer fans going for the first time?
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