Spring training..

[GoodAsGould]

Im not going to be able to do the trip but does anyone know if their all going to be on TV again? I know the games dont count but its fun seeing some of the young guys play and its always nice to see baseball after a long off-season.

[YASNY]

Im not going to be able to do the trip but does anyone know if their all going to be on TV again?  I know the games dont count but its fun seeing some of the young guys play and its always nice to see baseball after a long off-season.

 

They were televised last year to fill time due to the hockey strike. So, you'd think probably not. However, if I remember correctly, they were pleasantly surprised by the ratings. Now, if you add to that the fact that this year they will have the option of showing ST games of the WORLD CHAMPIONS!, they might consider it.

[Steff]

I considered it last year.. will consider it again this year... but probably won't go...

 

I wish they were still in Florida. I've got an open invite to hang at spring training with a pal who works for the Twins... so I could stay down there on the Twins dime... and see the Sox - if they were still in FLA. DAMN!

 

 

The Florida facility was a dump.. and there were way too many tourists. I'm glad they are in AZ.

[timotime]

doesnt cubune WGN usually televise a few sox-cubs preseason games?

[timotime]

The Florida facility was a dump.. and there were way too many tourists. I'm glad they are in AZ.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

when i was a kid i was at a game in the sarasota stadium. ozzie was playing short at the time and pulled a "graffinino" on a ground ball. when the inning ended, some old man in the front row behind the sox's dugout stood up and called ozzie a "bum". ozzie climbed on the top of the dugout and started ranting and raving in true ozzie style for about 10 minutes until some guys pulled him off the top of the dugout. classic memory.

 

yes, the stadium is a dump.

[Chisoxfn]

The Florida facility was a dump.. and there were way too many tourists. I'm glad they are in AZ.

Plus AZ is a lot nicer since you can really travel with the Sox if you want. All the teams are within a 2 hr vicinity of each other. Most (the ones in Phoenix) are within 30 minutes of each other.

 

Florida is too spread apart, imo. But I've never been to spring training out there.

[Wanne]

Plus AZ is a lot nicer since you can really travel with the Sox if you want.  All the teams are within a 2 hr vicinity of each other.  Most (the ones in Phoenix) are within 30 minutes of each other. 

 

That's not entirely true...in theory maybe...with no traffic. I live a few minutes from Peoria Sports Complex...and if you don't know any better and take Bell Road out to Surprise...you'll sit in traffic for a good hour to go about 8-10 miles. I guess it all depends where you're coming from and of course where you live.

 

Easiest to access IMO:

Tempe Diablo (Angels) Right off the 10.

Peoria (Mariners/Padres) Right off 101 Loop at 83rd Ave.

 

HoHoKam BLOWS!!!!! Getting in and out of there is a nightmare...plus it smells like a Hospice Facility. You can kiss an hour and a half of your life goodbye driving out there from the NW Valley or Central Phoenix.

 

Scottsdale (Giants) isn't too bad except the Scottsdale traffic. Avoid Scottsdale Road like the plague if you can. Just not crazy about that stadium...or even going there.

 

Maryvale (Brewers) is pretty easy (for me anyway)...even though it's a pretty high violent crime area. From most places it's easier to take the 10 West and go north on 51st or 59th Ave.

 

Surprise (Rangers/Royals) isn't bad if you know the back way like I told JimH last year. Probably saved him 45 minutes in traffic. Go out Dunlap/Olive to Dysart and come up from the South. Really funky lookin stadium too.

 

Phoenix Muni (A's)...isn't that awful bad to get to (again...need to know the short cuts depending on what direction you're coming from). Pretty close to the Dog Track too. It's probably the most outdated stadium here but the did about a$8M rennovation to it (haven't seen it yet)...but I still don't think there's any lawn seats.

 

Tucson Electric...piece of cake to get to (from Phoenix anyway). I just don't care for Tucson that much.

[Steff]

That's not entirely true...in theory maybe...with no traffic.  I live a few minutes from Peoria Sports Complex...and if you don't know any better and take Bell Road out to Surprise...you'll sit in traffic for a good hour to go about 8-10 miles.  I guess it all depends where you're coming from and of course where you live.

 

 

 

Compared to Florida - which I think is what Jason was doing - it's waaaay better in AZ.

[Wanne]

Compared to Florida - which I think is what Jason was doing - it's waaaay better in AZ.

 

 

Oh I know Steff...but I just didn't want someone thinkin that it's just a hop, skip and a jump to some of these places. Florida's more of, "Here's you local team" and spread so far out. I did enjoy my Sarasota visits the handful of times I was there.

 

I'm still pissed I can't find this program I had signed (I think in '73 or so) at a Sox ST game against the Phils. I even got Luzinski's and Mike Schmidt's auto on it. Carlos, Melton, No-Neck...it was awesome. And now I think it's completely gone and don't have a clue what happened to it.

[Chisoxfn]

Ya, I was comparing to Florida. I know my way around those parts now (been coming out to AZ for the past 9 years and this will be my 10th year). Its been an annual father-son trip and now my dads moving out there part of the year for business (in the hill part of Mesa).

 

Of all the stadiums, the only ones I absolutely can't stand are Hi-Corbett (its still the same as what it was when Major Leauge was made), and Oakland (they renovated it a year or two ago, but I'm still not much of a fan, its pretty plain).

 

TEP is awesome, Tempe Diablo is pretty decent (good food), Maryvale and Surprise are really nice (in fact Surprise is probably my favorite), Peoria is really nice (awesome grub there), Ho Ho Kam (its a nice park, especially since they redid it a few years ago. It used to be absolutely terrible).

 

Haven't been to Scottsdales in a while, but I remember when we first went out there it was one of our favorite parks. Had some great bbq chicken sandwiches way back when and the park has a real nice design (I think it was designed by the people who did Camden Yards).

 

As long as your going to the parks for the day games I've never noticed a traffic problem (although some of the parks do have some traffic getting into if you wait till right around game time to show up...mainly the Cubs).

 

But I'm the type of person that gets there 2 hr's before the game and watches BP. Its probably my favorite pre ball game thing, plus its fun seeing some of the minor leaguers do their bp (some stadiums have really fan friendly minor league areas where you can watch them do their drills).

 

I totally love the whole atmosphere of Spring Training. Your always surrounded by other big time baseball fans and your so close to the action. Plus the weather is usually good (with a few nice thunder storms) and the whole Phoenix area is awesome (Like you I'm not much of a fan of Tuscon).

[Guest JimH]

Jason, LOL, it sounds like your stadium likes and dislikes are dictated by the chow!!

 

They all feel really good to me in March, when it's cold here and 80 degrees there

 

I will say the absolute worst to get in and out of for parking, traffic, etc. is ... you guessed it ... Ho Ho Kam in Mesa. What a mess.

 

Most of the other parks are adjacent to or very near the freeway system which makes things really easy.

 

One really nice thing about the Peoria facility is how they treated my dad, a senior citizen. They had a couple of golf carts patrolling the parking lots and asked him if he'd like to hop a ride up to the entrance gates. He thought that was great.

 

I actually like Hi Corbett - you are really close to the field and you can hear everything.

[Chisoxfn]

Jason, LOL, it sounds like your stadium likes and dislikes are dictated by the chow!!

 

They all feel really good to me in March, when it's cold here and 80 degrees there 

 

I will say the absolute worst to get in and out of for parking, traffic, etc. is ... you guessed it ... Ho Ho Kam in Mesa.  What a mess.

 

Most of the other parks are adjacent to or very near the freeway system which makes things really easy.

 

One really nice thing about the Peoria facility is how they treated my dad, a senior citizen.  They had a couple of golf carts patrolling the parking lots and asked him if he'd like to hop a ride up to the entrance gates.  He thought that was great. 

 

I actually like Hi Corbett - you are really close to the field and you can hear everything.

I agree with you on that fact about Hi Corbett. I remember walking over and sitting right in the front row while the pitchers were warming out on the rubber (its got the ones down each line between 3rd and the outfield wall) and I could have just about reached out and grabbed them (they were so close).

 

Yep, aside from baseball the food is one of my favorite parts of the trip. There are so many great spots to eat in the Phoenix area and than the stadiums all have some good chow. Overall Peoria is really awesome, only reason I rank Surprise higher is I happened to roam into the back area (the fence was open and I walked right through it, not realizing it was a restricted area). I end up walking past Arod (Just me and him and I just said hey, good luck) and than go into this batting cage area and watch Arod and some minor leaguers hit for a few.

 

I'm there for about an hr and I now am trying to get back into the stadium but the gate I went through is now locked. I end up walking around confused for a minute or two (Trying to find another way in) and finally this guy stops me (he had seen me a few times) and I'm like, how do I get back into the park. He asks me who I am (curious, because he thought I belonged here) and I explained it to him and he laughed saying he just assumed I was the owners son or something.

 

The thing is, for those that haven't been, almost every stadium (especially the Sox and Mariners complexes) allow you to go into the minor league sections and just watch them do the drills (kind of neat for those real big baseball nerds like myself).

 

Best food hands down has to be Peoria. They got everything from Burrito's to Sausages to Pita's. And its all damn good. Every year we go to Peoria (or Tempe) on our way back to Cali because it gives us about a 15-20 minute jump start home.

 

I also have to thank all the senior citizens who volunteer at the parks. They single handedly help make spring training what it is. Without them the teams would have to charge more and it probably woudln't be as great of an experience for so many fans. They all volunteer and most are big time baseball fans and very friendly people (often times they have some good stories too or if your an autograph person they can tell you some good spots to go).

[Wanne]

I agree with you on that fact about Hi Corbett.  I remember walking over and sitting right in the front row while the pitchers were warming out on the rubber (its got the ones down each line between 3rd and the outfield wall) and I could have just about reached out and grabbed them (they were so close). 

 

Yep, aside from baseball the food is one of my favorite parts of the trip.  There are so many great spots to eat in the Phoenix area and than the stadiums all have some good chow.  Overall Peoria is really awesome, only reason I rank Surprise higher is I happened to roam into the back area (the fence was open and I walked right through it, not realizing it was a restricted area).  I end up walking past Arod (Just me and him and I just said hey, good luck) and than go into this batting cage area and watch Arod and some minor leaguers hit for a few. 

 

I'm there for about an hr and I now am trying to get back into the stadium but the gate I went through is now locked.  I end up walking around confused for a minute or two (Trying to find another way in) and finally this guy stops me (he had seen me a few times) and I'm like, how do I get back into the park.  He asks me who I am (curious, because he thought I belonged here) and I explained it to him and he laughed saying he just assumed I was the owners son or something.

 

The thing is, for those that haven't been, almost every stadium (especially the Sox and Mariners complexes) allow you to go into the minor league sections and just watch them do the drills (kind of neat for those real big baseball nerds like myself). 

 

Best food hands down has to be Peoria.  They got everything from Burrito's to Sausages to Pita's.  And its all damn good.  Every year we go to Peoria (or Tempe) on our way back to Cali because it gives us about a 15-20 minute jump start home.

 

I also have to thank all the senior citizens who volunteer at the parks.  They single handedly help make spring training what it is.  Without them the teams would have to charge more and it probably woudln't be as great of an experience for so many fans.  They all volunteer and most are big time baseball fans and very friendly people (often times they have some good stories too or if your an autograph person they can tell you some good spots to go).

 

Yup...Peoria does have the best grub. Maryvale has good brats. I'm kind of biased...but I still prefer Peoria over them all (probably due to proximity)...and the fact we befriended a beer vendor in the outfield lawn section walkway who does us a solid every time we're there. The Arrowhead area really has quite a bit of things going up plus TONS of restaurants...and in the near future...down the 101 at the new Cards stadium and Glendale Arena, there's going to be similar things. If you make it a day and want some good food...go to Papadeaux's (off the I-17 north of Peoria Ave.) Cajun seafood...AWESOME!

 

I'm still not sold on Surprise for some reason. Maryvale's not bad...RARELY crowded either...just don't stop anywhere around the stadium.

[GoodAsGould]

They were televised last year to fill time due to the hockey strike.  So, you'd think probably not.  However, if I remember correctly, they were pleasantly surprised by the ratings.  Now, if you add to that the fact that this year they will have the option of showing ST games of the WORLD CHAMPIONS!, they might consider it.

 

Well that doesnt really make sense. Not everyone was showing spring training games I know most teams werent. And for us we dont get televised hockey games so what would that have to do with them not showing it on TV? Didnt they say we showed the most ever spring training games on TV last year?

[Steff]

Well that doesnt really make sense.  Not everyone was showing spring training games I know most teams werent.  And for us we dont get televised hockey games so what would that have to do with them not showing it on TV?  Didnt they say we showed the most ever spring training games on TV last year?

 

 

I'm pretty sure it was a deal with Comcast, and since there's been no word of that changing I would guess they will televise about the same # of games again this spring.

[Colorado Sox Fan]

Sked's out. I gotta get there this year.

[DABearSoX]

Definatly thinkin about goin, if i can get a small group together or somethin. My spring break is the last week in march so I will get to goto 3 of the games. Any info about tucson would be appreciated. (places to stay, bars.....umm yea its spring break thats all i need to know)

[Controlled Chaos]

Couple questions regarding Tucson?

 

What time does it get dark in mid march? I'm trying to figure if I can golf after the Sox games.

Are all the sox games at 1:00? I see on the schedule there is more than one game scheduled at Tucson park. Is there more than one field?

 

I'm staying at JW Marriott Starr Pass. Is the park close to the hotel?

 

Any info on bars to go to or restaurants where we can hang with the players would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks All!!!

 

 

edit: Are fans invited to practices or only the games? What time are practices?

Edited November 22, 2005 by Controlled Chaos

[Guest JimH]

Couple questions regarding Tucson?

 

What time does it get dark in mid march?  I'm trying to figure if I can golf after the Sox games.

Are all the sox games at 1:00?  I see on the schedule there is more than one game scheduled at Tucson park.  Is there more than one field?

 

I'm staying at JW Marriott Starr Pass.  Is the park close to the hotel?

 

Any info on bars to go to or restaurants where we can hang with the players would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks All!!!

edit:  Are fans invited to practices or only the games?  What time are practices?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

If you do a search on this site for Tucson info, you'll find more than you'll need. I remember writing up 2-3 lengthy info pieces on Tucson.

 

Specifically though ... www.visittucson.org and www.dotucson.com are good places for info. It gets dark down there about 6 to 6:30, you can fit in 9 holes at least after the games. Mariott Star Pass is maybe 15 min. from the park.

 

Seeing the players ... Maloney's on 4th Avenue (4th Ave. is where you'll want to hang out), Bob Dobb's Sports Bar on E. 6th Ave. and some of the restaurants out on E. Tanque Verde Dr. which they call Restaurant Row. Also near campus there's Gentle Ben's (brewpub) and across the street is Frog and Firken. The latter two are not far from 4th Ave.

 

All the games are at 1:05 pm. It is a big complex with several fields, most of the "B" games take place late morning, around 10:30 or so and you can just walk up and watch.

 

If you need specific info, PM me, I have been fortunate enough to go the last 6 years.

Edited November 22, 2005 by JimH

[Controlled Chaos]

If you do a search on this site for Tucson info, you'll find more than you'll need.  I remember writing up 2-3 lengthy info pieces on Tucson.

 

Specifically though ... www.visittucson.org and www.dotucson.com are good places for info.  It gets dark down there about 6 to 6:30, you can fit in 9 holes at least after the games.  Mariott Star Pass is maybe 15 min. from the park.

 

Seeing the players ... Maloney's on 4th Avenue (4th Ave. is where you'll want to hang out), Bob Dobb's Sports Bar on E. 6th Ave. and some of the restaurants out on E. Tanque Verde Dr. which they call Restaurant Row.  Also near campus there's Gentle Ben's (brewpub) and across the street is Frog and Firken.  The latter two are not far from 4th Ave.

 

All the games are at 1:05 pm.  It is a big complex with several fields, most of the "B" games take place late morning, around 10:30 or so and you can just walk up and watch.

 

If you need specific info, PM me, I have been fortunate enough to go the last 6 years.

 

Thanks for your help Jim!! I don't think I can do a search yet...so this info was great!!

[Wanne]

Couple questions regarding Tucson?

 

What time does it get dark in mid march?  I'm trying to figure if I can golf after the Sox games.

 

Sun sets around 6:30 or so in the middle of March!

[soxrme]

Schedule around...?

 

And who's going this year?

Four of us go every year, adding a grandson this year. His dad leans towards some team on the north side but we will convert when the Sox beat them on March 18th