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DEL.ICIO.USSpring 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?
Permalink | Comments (24) | Post your comment | Categories: Chop Chick
Comments
By geekboy
March 12, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Tom Glavine was Benedict Arnold’s favorite Brave too.
Ughhh.
By Manley Wadsworth
March 12, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Mr. Chop Chick? Is that O’Brien?
By Joe P
March 12, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
I just returned from Spring Training and I think the Braves look great. Glavine, whatever you personally think of him, is a stand-up good guy when it comes to signing autographs. On several occasions, he took time while leaving the stadium to sign autographs and take pictures with every single person there. At the same time, Chipper sped by on a golf cart and avoided the fans on those same occasions.
By ippississiM
March 12, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
I personally don’t think Glavine wanted to go to Queens in the first place, it’s just that he was backed into a corner by the Players’ Association. I don’t blame him, and his stats bear out my belief that his heart was never really in his pitching when he was with the Mets anyway.
By Choppinmama
March 12, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
CC: I’m going to my 7th and final ST game tonight of my trip and and have loved every second of it. My biggest tip to the fans would be go get to the park as soon as it opens - 3 hours before game time. You can watch both teams take bp, and watch all the individual interractions out on the field. You can stroll down and watch the pitchers throw in the bullpen, go out to the grass berm and try to catch some looong fly balls, and just take in the beauty of Braves spring training in Florida.
THEN - you have the game to watch, all in a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. I highly recommend a trip for every fan - at least once. Be sure to turn down the volume on your hearing aids though, the music volume is literally ear-splitting.
By Brad
March 12, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
He would never admit it to the public, but I think Glavine wishes he would have never gone to NY in the first place. Let’s all just welcome him back and make him feel at home. If you take baseball’s business side personally, you won’t be a fan for long. Just enjoy the game and don’t let the stupid business side affect your life.
By Jo
March 12, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
There is nothing like Spring Training. But, at the risk of sounding like an old timer, which I guess I am, the Disney (or, “Dark Star”) experience is nothing like the one back in the old days of West Palm Beach. It was less packaged, more honest; the players had to walk through the concession area to get to their cars. I got Glavine’s autograph standing in front of the beer stand. Get up in the morning, walk on the beach, eat a leisurely breakfast, and then go hang out on the minor league fields until the gates open at 11AM: nothing like it in the world. And, as Chop Chick says, you’re soaking up the rays while everybody else is at work. There’s definitely Spring Training baseball in Heaven.
By Bull Headed
March 12, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Went to Grapefruit Opening Day at Dodgertown for the last time. It has been my annual tradition to watch my Braves play the Dodgers there. Tommy L.and Bobby both waddle around like the legends that they are. Maury Wills threw out the first pitch. The Dodgers have a young guy with the last name Hu. It was great when he got on first. We were all rolling in the aisles. I love spring training even though I live down here year round. The Marlins are building an air conditioned stadium now. I can go watch my Braves(always great seats available at Marlins games) and watch the pretty Latinas at the game. Hola
By Mountain man
March 12, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
I started listening to Braves games with my Grandad on a transistor radio when I was eight. I enjoyed listening to Ernie and Milo. I was 14 when Dad and I were there to watch Hank hit 715! I thought hell had frozen over in 91 when we went the World Series that first time, my dad would have loved it! 1 world Championship and 14 straight division titles…Amazing!
I love it!
I said all that to say that I’ve yet to go to a spring game but it’s definately on my to do list! Welcome back Tommy and Go Braves!
By 22oz
March 12, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
i’ve never been, but we were planning to take my dad for his 60th birthday this year. we ended up waiting too long to plan it, since there was only a small window of opportunity to go, and it fell through. hopefully next year we can go, since my dad has always wanted to go, and of course i have too.
By bballnut
March 12, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
The starters are gonna be OK. Chipper and Tex in the order is a managers dream. I think we are gonna be just fine this year and I stil want to marry you Chop Chick. Talk to Mr. Chop Chick….you can do it.
By Chop Chop
March 12, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
“Mr.” Chop Chick.
Devo approves of how you crack that whip, Chop Chick.
By Catfish
March 12, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
I certainly hope Tom Glavine gets the standing ovation he deserves when he makes his first start at the Ted. It seems like everyone is soon to forget all those 20 win seasons and that World Series he won for the Braves. Well, I know I’ll be standing to applaud one of the best Braves ever. Welcome home, Glavine.
By Sasquach
March 12, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Mr. Chop Chick? Is that the guy in the picture, or are we really progressive in our blogging this year?
By bballnut
March 12, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Hey CC give us some inside info on how the bullpen looks while you are down there. This open to anyone…the bullpen is our annual weakness…who is in it and how do they stack up this year?????
By Braves Fan
March 12, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
I leave Friday morning for my annual Spring Training Trip. If you haven’t been to Braves Spring Training you must go! It is so much fun. It gives you a chance to see some of the up and coming players. I have been to Spring training games at Disney, Phillies field in Clearwater and Progress Energy field in Tampa when the Braves were playing there. Saw the game on TV last night and was thrilled to see Glavine back where he belongs.
Chop Chick, I’m from SE Alabama about 10 miles north of Dothan. I remember listening to Braves games with Milo and Ernie. AHHHHHH, the good ole days.
By casey
March 12, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Chop Chick, I want to watch my first Braves spring training game on Saturday. However, they are split squad games. They’re both in Kissimee, I just don’t know which one to go to! I was wondering if theres any way to see the lineups prior to purchasing the tickets or anything like that? I mainly want to watch the starters especially Chip! Thanks
By Chopdawg
March 12, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
Went to Disney earlier than usual this spring, but had my usual great time, just hanging out soaking up a ray or two & watching baseball. If you don’t want to sit on the OF grass at spg training, buy your tickets online before you go down! Minor league games start on the backfields next week, methinks
By One
March 13, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
Spring BREAK is calling me!!!!!!!!!!
By Chop Chick
March 13, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
Good to see I’m not alone in my love for Spring Training!
casey: As far as I know, there isn’t a way to get the lineups before split-squad games (the teams may not even know too far ahead), so my best advice is to keep a close eye on DOB’s blog and the stuff by Mark Bowman on braves.com and see if you can pick up any hints. Typically, the veterans aren’t inclined to travel, so you could guess that there would be more of them at the home game, but since Saturday’s other split-squad game is against the Astros only a few miles away, I’m not sure that holds true here.
Have a great time!
By Chazs
March 13, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Having been both at WPB and Disney numerous times it still holds true that the earlier you get there the better. Wander the back fields, you never know whom you will see. Or who will talk to you. This is where you will see past, present and future stars. Also it is well worth going to other venues. The new parks keep you so removed from the players and actions. Again wander around and explore. The closing of Dodgertown is the end of an era; baseball is now truely a business with not much to distinguish Spring Training from the regular season.
By Greg Frederick
March 13, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
You should check out Link: www.springtrainingtips.com They have a lot of great tips for spring training.
By brian a
March 13, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
I’m heading down next week to check out the thursday night game against the Detroit Tigers. It’ll nice heading back to Orlando after missing last season. I’m looking forward to watch Schafer, newbie Kotsay, as well as seeing Big Tex for the first time in person. The only thing to be down about being a Braves fan right now is the boys not being televised on TBS anymore. It just won’t be the same without being able to see Bobby leaning on that top step shouting out words of encouragement to “Frenchy”, “Yuny”, and all the other “Kids”. Other than that I’m looking forward to a solid year with them competing for the NL East all season.
By Wendy D
March 13, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
Spring training is a blast! Don’t miss the chance to catch all the minor league players while you are down there. Roaming around where the “kids” play will be easier on your little Chopper. Some folks may think it’s just exhibition ball, but these guys are all fighting to a) keep getting paid to play a their favorite game and b) move up to the next level. It’s serious fun!