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Some questions from a Spring Training noob.

We're heading down to Florida to a Spring Training game for the first time on the 13th, but I have a few questions that I wasn't sure about and couldn't find on the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex site. I thought maybe some of the regulars that attend Spring Training games would know.

I've read and am definitely going to use the tips and tricks suggested by CB. Our plan is to go early that Saturday morning to the complex and see if we can score some autographs then get some breakfast and come back soon after. What time on game days do the players usually show up? Also, I know there's an admission fee to get into the complex, but do you have to pay that if you have a tickets to a game? And will they let you leave and come back in? Just a few questions that I had.

Any information about this would be really helpful and appreciated.

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If you have a ticket to the game, that’s the same as admission to the complex, so there’s no extra charge. I’m fairly sure you can leave and come back, because I’ve done it before, but check with them before you do. There is the Wide World of Sports restaurant there, so you could just eat there.

The guys show up the same time whether there’s a game or not, typically sometime between 6am and 8am. I’m sure others can add to this, but that’s pretty standard. I’m not even sure you can get into the place at 6am, I remember getting there at 7am last year.

I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Mar 2, 2010 12:35 AM EST reply actions  

tips for the visiting team

I’m an Astros fan (I know, be kind) going to spring training for the first time this year. Taking my son down there this weekend where we play the Braves on both Saturday (home) and Sunday (away). I read your epic comment linked in this FanPost about scoring autographs at World Wide of Sports. I was wondering if you had any similar tips about good spots for autographs for the visiting team? Thanks in advance.

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Mar 3, 2010 4:35 PM EST up reply actions  

The visiting team at Atlanta’s place is tough, because there’s little to no access for them coming into or leaving the park. They ride the bus into the area behind the stadium and at best you can see the guys coming off the bus and rushing off to the clubhouse. Sometimes you get lucky and can catch a guy leaving early, which is a pretty likely chance given the Astros train just down the road, in that area behind the stadium where the Braves leave, but it’s really a crapshoot. Your best bet is to go down the line like you would at any game and hope guys sign. One nice thing on that side is that the bullpen is right there by the grass seating area, so you have a lot closer access to guys and the pitchers and catchers that come over there are a lot more likely to sign. Also, after a guy has left the game he has to do his running, so there’s a chance if you’re out in the first bit of the grass to get him to come over on his way in for the day. (Though I do kind of remember them being very strict about folks getting too close to the rail during the game.)
On the bright side, the Astros’ park in Kissimmee is one of the best in Florida for autographs. You just go down the third base side all the way to the end where their clubhouse is and hang out all game. You’ll get a ton of guys before, after, and even during the game when they come out. So even if you can’t get much in Orlando, you should do very well with your Stros in Kissimmee.
Have fun!

I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Mar 3, 2010 5:09 PM EST up reply actions  

thanks, really appreciate the info!

I’ve definitely heard from all my ‘stros friends that autographs at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee are much easier to come by because of the setup. I’m excited for both games though, having never been to spring training before.

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Mar 3, 2010 5:31 PM EST up reply actions  

I forgot my boy Jeff Keppinger is playing for them. Hope you get to meet him, he’s a really down to earth guy.

I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Mar 3, 2010 6:15 PM EST up reply actions  

have a cool story about Keppinger

I went back to Houston for a game at Minute Maid last year and it was one of the night games where they open the lid on the juice box and present a fireworks show. They turn most of the lights out in the ballpark off. Keppinger, his wife and children came out of the clubhouse and sat on the infield grass to watch the fireworks. It was a pretty cool scene. His kids were running around a bit but as soon as the fireworks started exploding they all ran back and jumped on him to sit in his lap and watch. Nice to spot to watch fireworks from…

Anyway, he’s definitely on my list to score an autograph.

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Mar 4, 2010 10:52 AM EST up reply actions  

that’s a cool story

by MO'toole on Mar 7, 2010 5:09 AM EST up reply actions  

Thanks for the info. It’s really appreciated.

BravesGirlBlog.com - Braves blogging by a Braves girl.

by mccannfan on Mar 4, 2010 11:09 AM EST up reply actions  

Have a good time down there. I’m not sure if they have a day off while your there, but I’ve gone down 4 years in a row now and I enjoy watching them practice much more than a game. Just a thought though, it’s just something different. The games are great too.

by JKowalek on Mar 3, 2010 12:41 AM EST reply actions  

We plan to. I don’t believe there is an off day when we go down there. Thanks for the tips.

BravesGirlBlog.com - Braves blogging by a Braves girl.

by mccannfan on Mar 4, 2010 11:10 AM EST up reply actions  

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