In the midst of this crazy world of national politics that seems to change hourly, a looming bright spot glows. BASEBALL! Spring training is well underway and opening day is April 2, 2017.
Last week, I was fortunate enough to make a trip to Phoenix, AZ. Included in the 4 night trip were 3 games of baseball. The Kansas City Royals are my team and I was able to watch them play the Colorado Rockies, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the San Francisco Giants. I'm not suggesting that I'm a good luck charm but the Royals did win all three games. Just sayin...
This was my first experience with Major League Baseball Spring Training and it did not disappoint. Two of the three games I attended were at the Royals/Rangers complex in Surprise, AZ and the third game was at the Dodgers/White Sox complex in Glendale, AZ. The facilities at both places were top notch. The Royal/Rangers stadium seats 10,800 and the facilities include 6 practice fields and 1 half field. The Dodgers/White Sox stadium seats 13,000 and the facilities include 13 practices fields and 3 half fields.
The Surprise Stadium was my personal favorite. Being smaller it feels more intimate. It's always a special to see a major league baseball game and to sit within a few rows of the field is such a treat. For a few hours you can absorb the game and feel like a 'top dog' by sitting so close. On my bucket list is to someday attend a game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City while sitting behind home plate watching the boys in blue play. Spring training gave me a taste of that bucket list item.
Before the game, you're allowed to walk around the practice fields and take in the hard work that these athletes are putting into their craft. While I'm not overly knowledgeable about most of the minor league players, it was still fun to see many of these young men play. If they do get called up to the majors, it will be cool to say "I saw him at spring training".
The weather during my stay was perfect. No wind, sunny and mid-seventies. Couple that with a cold beer and a few hours of watching my favorite team and it was heaven. "Is this heaven? No, it's Iowa." You know know what I'm talking about here.
I hope that Major League Baseball does not implement changes that they have been discussing regarding trying to speed up the game. I would argue that our national pastime does not need to be accelerated. For a few blissful hours the ability to check out of real life is priceless. In our crazy world right now we all need a dose of heaven.
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