By Jon Weisman
The past week of Caravan and FanFest, a kind of combination of summer camp and Back to School Night and everything but campfires and s’mores for the Dodgers, is over.
Winter, which playfully taunted the NHL in the 10 days before hockey at Dodger Stadium with four score and seven degrees of reverse wind chill, is giving us at least a few more days in the frigid 60s before we emerge from hibernation. But there’s only one more week, one more week for school supplies and a last moment of vacation bliss, before the rugged year ahead.
Pitchers and catchers report in seven days.
I’ve talked to a few Dodgers in the past couple of weeks – small sample size warning – and in what seems unquestionable sincerity, they tell me the romance of Spring Training isn’t dead. All that swirling sentiment that would seem to be relegated to a “Field of Dreams” monologue of years ago still plays for the guys in the game as it renews. Anticipation. Possibilities. Dreams. Play. The spirit that brought them to the diamond in the very beginning still lives.
There’s no denying the work involved. But this is a good time of year.
Share your thoughts about Spring Training – and any plans to visit Camelback Ranch – in the comments.
onlyatriple
I’m taking my boys the weekend of 3/1 — it’s our fourth straight year. My favorite memory of last year’s visit is when my then 6 year old started pestering an older coach for an autograph. When he turned around, I realized it was Jody Reed – that Jody Reed — who had returned to (and has now left I believe) the organization. Mr. Reed was very generous with his time for and attention to my boys. No mean comments about his impact on the Dodgers in our household!
Mark Hager (@MarkHager1)
Going to Spring Training for the first time. My wife, Sharon, and daughters, Meghan and Jennifer, are taking me March 7-9. It just so happens Jenniifer’s birthday is 03/07. Can’t wait to go.
dodgerbeast
I’m planning on going when pitchers & catchers report on the 8th because I have to go to Arizona for business. This is my first time going and I don’t really know what I can expect!
I don’t even know if Camelback Ranch is open on those days but if it is I just want to check it out.
Anyone have tips?
Thanks in advance
crusaderbob
Ahhh — Vero Beach here we come …. Errrr Camelback Ranch – no matter the location my fondest memories and continued enjoyment will be listening to the games on the radio and being educated about on the players on the 40-man roster and those searching for that spot.
What I am most looking forward to is DVRing for the first time all the Spring Training games from SportsNet LA and actually seeing the players each night after a grueling day of driving the streets of Bakersfield!
I have never been to a ST game because time, money and location has always been the wrench in the hopeful plans each year.
Well now we have even more to look forward to, thanks to the Guggenheim group and Time Warner!
See ya all on the airwaves!
Jim Hitchcock
Best advice I can give upon leaving a game at Camelback is not to turn left on Camelback when leaving the Ranch. Go straight through the intersection and proceed to Indian School Road…will avoid stop and go all the way to the freeway.