Spring Training 1985

We're just behind the right field batting cage at Jack Russell Stadium, the Clearwater home of the Philadelphia Phillies. Before Spring Training became the backbone of Florida tourism, it was a special delight only the most adventurous or avid fans might experience. The crowds were small (did any of the Florida-based teams ever have a March sellout?), the tickets cheap... "our little secret." Media access was easier -- even a reporter from a New York music station could get a field pass and the chance to catch workouts and get amazingly close to the stars. In this case, it's Mike Schmidt and phellow Phillie Len Matuszek watching Tim Corcoran get in his swings. While our friends and neighbors up north are shivering and maybe shoveling (snow) and scraping (ice), we're getting a head start on summer. Darn near perfect. And experienced, back 20 or so years ago, by just a select few of us.
What's different? One is quite noticeable -- the players are wearing actual uniforms, not alternate "batting practice" or "spring training" shirts designed to be sold to over-eager fans at the souvenir stands. And the stadiums are decidedly low tech -- rickety old ballparks (I recall the Texas Rangers' former home field in Pompano Beach looking like a half-burned down fire-trap) designed not to maximize revenue but hold down expenses.

If you've got a spring training memory -- from a family vacation, spring break trip in college or just a lark -- share it with us. What inspired you to sample spring training first hand? And would you go back this year?

The more modern Florida and Arizona parks now emulate their big league counterparts with press boxes wired for our high-tech world. At Jack Russell, writers and reporters were assigned a different place -- the open space past the grandstand (near some of the practice areas) along the right field line.That season, on June 11th, Von Hayes made baseball history as the first player ever to hit two home runs in the 1st Inning of a game (his second round tripper was a Grand Slam).. The Phillies run total in that 26-7 win not only set a club record but was the highest in the National League since 1944! These days, you'd call my interviewing Hayes a real "get."

Comments

Bruce S said…
I think it was in 1991 I took the family in MArch to Florida to visit my in-laws in Florida. We saw a game with the Dodgers and Atlanta Braves at West Palm Beach.
February 29, 2008 at 10:32 PM
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