The big club has six Grapefruit League games remaining including two on Friday in split squad format - they break camp after the noon home game against Tampa on Monday, the 24th. Triple A Lehigh Valley breaks camp the day before and heads to Allentown to prepare for their home and season opener on March 28th against Scranton Wilkes-Barre. The remaining minor leaguers will remain in Clearwater till Saturday, March 29th on which they will all head to their respective affiliate locations - some will stay in Clearwater to participate in Extended Spring Training.
I’ve been posting daily “reports” since January 13th when Winter High Performance Camp kicked off. Many of the minor league players have been in camp since that date transitioning to Minor League Mini Camp thereafter and then into Spring Training. Multiple big leaguers have been training here for the upcoming season since December as they committed to moving to the Clearwater area to do so. For those who think Spring Training is too long ya all maybe need to confer with those fellas 😄.
The positive economic impact on the local community is undeniable as masses of fans have journeyed here to watch training, it’s especially been a welcomed import this year as we’ve come off of damages from multiple hurricanes last summer and fall. Living in the Clearwater area the past ten years has taught me that this place is very resilient in regard to storm recovery no matter what obstacles are incurred. We still hope to sell our house here and move back home to the Philly suburbs and continue to market it in that pursuit but if it doesn’t work out then staying in the area a bit longer is a good option as well - the bonus for me in that is the continued ability to be at the complex most every day 😁.
In regard to rosters, decisions are looming. The MLB imposed limits on stateside minor leaguers will transition to 165 active slots instead of the spring training limit of 175 - that occurs on April 4th which is aligned to the opening day of the A to AA level of regular season play. Many players will likely hear their fate at some point in the next few days as travel plans are made for each of the affiliates.
I’ve spent the past three months observing practices, games and people interactions at the stadium, half field and the complex. Spring camps bring excitement and energy - it’s really cool to see young families in particular and watch as parents point out players to their children and provide explanations of the events. I get quite a few questions from arriving or on site fans each year on things, hopefully I’ve provisioned everyone accordingly who’s asked. It’s also great when players parents and families introduce themselves to me and offer appreciation for the daily reports, I do this “work” voluntarily so it’s heartwarming to hear the feedback. It’s cool for me to go each day to the stadium/complex and see familiar faces and interact whether that be with players, coaches, staff, media, broadcasters, front office or fans - makes me feel part of the village it takes to support the organization - good stuff 🤓.
So as we wind down another year of Spring Training just wanted to post this note of appreciation for what this organization means to me and the people I meet each day. I am hopeful that my efforts to share the daily events with folks are informative and enjoyed, that my enthusiasm and love of the great game of baseball and my admiration of those blessed with such great skills to participate in it at the professional level comes thru. It truly makes each and every day for me one that’s a Happy Day and Happy Baseball ⚾️.
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