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Saturday, March 24, 2018

For the love of the game...

Yesterday the LA Dodgers took on, and seriously trounced, the KC Royals at Surprise Stadium while more than 9,000 fans took on what seemed like the first really hot day of the season. I’ve mentioned before how nice I think Surprise Stadium is and am hard pressed to imagine working Spring Training at any other Arizona Ball Park. I’ve tried to share the sights and sounds through this blog but of course nothing compares to actually being there so if you ever have the chance to take in a game in Surprise I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity.

One distinct advantage of working the games is that I have had the chance to see the stadium both when it’s full and when it’s empty and I’m torn between which I prefer. The crowds are exciting and the atmosphere electric with all the fans excited to see their favorite team yet there’s a serenity to the pre-game Ball Park that exudes a sense of peace and quiet anticipation of things to come. I have thoroughly enjoyed exploring Surprise Stadium in these quiet moments and have seen things that most likely get lost in the hustle and bustle of the crowds. If you do visit Surprise Stadium walk the concourse under the second story stands and take in the signs with varying quotes attesting to the things that make baseball one of America’s favorite pastimes. Whether it’s the crack of the ball or the sound of the umpire announcing “Steerike!”, the smell of hotdogs or the taste of an ice cold beer on a hot day, the players along the baselines in tune with thousands of their fans as they listen, and sometimes sing along, to the Star Spangled Banner, the collective gasp as a player is called safe or out, there’s a lot to be said for watching grown men swing bats at little white balls. Here’s a short snippet of some of those quotes. Some you may recognize, some you may not, but each resonates the spirit of the game. May that banner yet wave over Spring Training where all teams are equal and hope springs eternal.

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