- November 23, 2024
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One thing about journalism is nothing is ever set in stone. I had a column all ready to go for today’s paper, but a last-minute phone call forced me to make a change. (I hope to run the original column in an upcoming issue.)
So, with a blank column and a deadline quickly approaching, I took to Twitter on Thursday night to see if anyone had a column idea.
“The top 10 reasons to attend Spring Training” was sent to me by Alex Walsh, a lifelong friend, baseball enthusiast and fellow journalist. (Unfortunately, he is a Cubs fan. Although I shouldn’t talk, being a Mets fan, right?)
Liking the idea, I asked my followers if they had their top reasons to attend Spring Training.
I got a few responses, such as seeing prospects, cheap tickets, nice weather. All of those are right on point. And so, here are my top five reasons to attend Spring Training over the next six weeks.
No. 1: Everyone’s team has a chance in February/March. It doesn’t matter how bad the team was last season, or how bad it is slated to be this season. There is always some sort of hope in the spring.
No. 2: You get to see players you don’t normally see. Granted, a lot of the young talent gets sent directly to the minor league side of camp, but certain prospects get to compete early on if they are on the 40-man roster. And if you really track your team and organization, it’s cool to see what’s up and coming.
No. 3: The tickets are cheap, and the weather — for the most part — is gorgeous.
No. 4: There is a different feel watching in the smaller parks. Last season, for example, we went to watch a Mets vs. Cardinals game. We were on the wall in the Mets’ bullpen. We all left with autographed baseballs that were being used earler in the day for warmups. It’s tough to experience that during the regular season.
No. 5: What’s better than taking a day off work and going to watch baseball?
I can’t think of much.
Follow @aobrien7 on Twitter.
