Spring Training 2011 Stop #4: Clearwater Again

One of the unique things you're most likely to se at exhibition games -- recently retired umpire Jerry Crawford throwing the ceremonial first pitch. And while walking off the field, sharing a light moment with Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel.
When is an exhibition game highly anticipated? Just offer a March matchup of pitching aces from teams that are among the picks to make the post-season. Roy Halladay (above) gave the Phillies six shutout innings and CC Sabathia (below) did the same in his five-inning stint for the Yankees.
Love the symmetry -- Ben Francisco at the plate, Phillies teammate John Mayberry Jr. in the on-deck circle, which in these smaller parks, .is a lot closer to the plate than where they'll play from April on
Above: Jorge Posada turned in several nice plays manning 1st base,
Below: His replacement as the Yankees catcher, Russell Martin, is out trying to steal 2nd.
Below: longtime Phillies president Bill Giles sat in the row in front of us.

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