Osceola County Stadium, FL

We took a moment to catch the Astros playing the Tigers this sprint training, at the Astros facility in Kissimmee.

We had a very nice experience at this park, as it only hold 5300 and it feels very comfortable, while a bit minimal.

The promo for this game was a dog and coke with every ticket which was a treat! Oddly, though the park belonged to the Astros, there seemed to be more fan support for the Tigers. That is spring training. The park had a more casual feel than some, so we felt comfortable venturing out and watching the game at different angles.

Space Coast Stadium Florida

Steinbrenner Field- Tampa, FL.

Steinbrenner Field in Tampa is impressive! In fact, the park, and the vibe had a much more major league feel than a minor league park feel.

Then again, this is the New York Yankees spring training home!

Like I said, you would not guess that the park is the regular season home to the single A Tampa Yankees. If you did not know, you would automatically assume that a triple-A team plays here. I guess thats just how the Yankees do things.

We had a lot of fun here and enjoyed the Yankees vibe.

We parked at the football Buccaneer's NFL stadium parking lot, and took a pedestrian bridge over to this park. The gift shop and food vendors were hoppin' but there were plenty of them, so it was easy to get a beverage, or a shirt.

We had a lot of friendly people around us too which was cool.

I have included a couple of pictures from the ped bridge (showing the football stadium and the road), and one of the bridge.

Wild Pitches

So, I recently got back from a spring training road trip to Florida! I had a lot of fun. I actually got to see several games, stopped at a few parks, and took in the sights around Florida.

See my other blog about some of the other roadside attractions we were able to see. I am still thinking about the trip.

This was my first time doing spring training in Florida, and the obvious comparison to Arizona comes up. We visited probably the same number of parks in each state.

For now, I have to say the edge goes to Arizona. it is close though. We felt that staff at the parks in Arizona were a bit more fan friendly than in Florida.

Sure, you are in minor league parks, but they still have a major league vibe going on. We felt that, in the Cactus League, the feel was just more relaxed.

Let me give a quick comparison. We stopped at the Peoria Sports Complex one morning in Arizona. No games were scheduled at that time, but we thought we would stop by for the heck of it.

There were some great, talkative old timers running the gift shop who just seemed happy to be there. They encouraged us to go check out the minor leaguers training that day. We had a great time talking to the guys around the park and in the gift shop. One of the Padres minor league coaches came over and asked us how we were doing! We had a similarly nice experience at Tempe Diablo Stadium before an Angels game.

We had some great experiences in Florida too, and I will write about those as I review the parks we visited, but the mood was more "big league" than in Arizona.

In Florida, we stopped at Space Coast Stadium on a non-game day. The staff there almost seemed confused that people showed up on an off day. Sure, I know that a lot is going on and all, but I think the Nationals of all people should be happy anyone shows up anytime.

As I was in Florida, some things felt off too. I saw a lot of Ohio plates! I know when the Indians and the Reds moved to Arizona I felt it was a great fit, but I am not so sure now. Especially after reading about attendance to their games this season.

Hank Presswood- Cleveland Buckeyes

Hank Presswood had a great career in professional baseball. PLUS, he served in the army for his country! He played for four years with the Cleveland Buckeyes and the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues. He says that playing for the Cleveland Buckeyes was the best thing that happened to him!

Limeport Stadium

Jimmie Schaffer, mentioned in an earlier post, sent me a flyer about an amateur park where he volunteers in Limeport, PA!

Limeport Stadium is called, "The Field of Dreams" by locals, and it is packed with history! The flyer notes that it has changed little since being built over 75 years ago. It was built to resemble the old Connie Mack Stadium of the Phillies, and it is in Lehigh County (a GREAT area for a baseball road trip!).

The green fold down seats at this facility are original, installed the night before it's first game!

Few updates have been added other than a PA system, an electronic score board, and lights.

The flyer claims that the park has the deepest outfield in all of baseball (pro or am) standing 485 feet from home plate! Alex Sabo is the only player to have hit the ball over that fence. He would go on to play with the Senators.

Over 100 games are still played here each year.

I am going to have to visit this park next time I see the Iron Pigs! Seriously, this will be a great baseball pilgrimage this year! You have the Phillies and Iron Pigs in the area... and this great over looked field!

http://limeportstadium.org/

Book: Carew- Rod Carew

I read Rod Carew's book recently.

Rod's career was over by the time I became interested in baseball as a kid. I remember following Rose, and Gooden, like every other kid in the 80s. Later on you read up about Mantle, Ruth, Clemente, Cobb and others. Carew was still around in baseball, but not playing. You could almost look at him as an underrated legend.

Anyway, I was glad to read this book to learn some about him! This is a fun, and a bit unusual read. The edition I read was written towards the end of his career, and he talks a lot about other players, managers, his personal life, etc. He adds an afterwards at the end of the updated edition.

The oddest point in the book is Rod's endorsement of tobacco! It is a little strange, but at least he is being honest.


Sometimes, an afterwards fits awkwardly in a book. That is the case here. Rod's daughter Michelle dies of leukemia and he says that his marriage ended. This is very sad because, in the book, his family seems so supportive and together. Obviously the story of his daughter's death is very sad.

Still, hearing about that early Twins team and Rod Carew's climbing the baseball ladder through hard work and a good attitude is fun to read about.

Bob Meyer 1964-1970 Major Leaguer

Bob Meyer spent a few years in the majors, starting in 1964 and ending in 1970. He played for the Yankees, Angels, Kansas City Athletics, the Seattle Pilots, and Brewers.

He sent some great info recently on his very interesting career!

Early in his career, Bob was compared to Sandy Koufax by Whitey Ford, and he also got some great compliments from Yogi Berra! He actually pitched against Sandy in an exhibition game in 1964.

Bob has the rare distinction of loosing a one-hitter, while the opposing pitcher, Frank Bertaina won- also on a one-hitter!

Bob talks about being on a great pitching staff with the 64 Angels (the Yankees traded him to LA).

I love all of the history of the minor leagues. I am especially fascinated with the legendary team, the Hawaii Islanders (Dave Baldwin talks a lot about that team in his book, "Snake Jazz" mentioned on this site). Bob Meyer pitched the first no hitter in the history of Hawaii Stadium as a member of the opposing Vancouver Mounties. He mentions that Al Michaels was calling games for the Islanders at that time!

Thanks for all of the fnu info Bob!

Postcard: Comisky Park, Chicago

"The home of the Chicago White Sox, Comisky Park has a seating capacity of over 60,000 people. It is located on 35th Street and Shields Avenue on the South Side of Chicago."

Wild Pitches

I am not sure if you have heard about the spring training accident involving Braves minor league manager Luis Salazar. Obviously, it looks like things could have been a lot worse.

Please take a moment to read about Luis. Here is a great article from the Braves site:

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110317&content_id=16996920&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl#

Mike Vail 75-84 Major Leaguer

Mike Vail played in the majors for 7 different teams over 9 years. Mr. Vail took a moment to answer some questions for me recently.

He told me that his favorite major league teams were the Mets, Cubs, and Dodgers. His favorite teams in the minors were the Tidewater Tides and the Reno Silver Sox.

His favorite players include John Bench, Tom Seaver, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Orlando Cepeda, Roberto Clemente, and Ducky Medwick.

He mentions that Seaver had the best fastball he had ever seen. He also tells me that Ducky Medwick taught him how to hit in the majors.

I asked him specifically about playing with the Portland Beavers. Mike tell sme that he played with them in the PCL during a comeback period. Some, he says, felt he was washed up. He ended up leading the league and ended up in Chicago for 3 years.

Al Raffo- 1969 Phillies

Al Raffo played for the Phillies in 1969. He let me know a great story recently.

"In my only win as a 27 year old rookie, I came to bat with the bases loaded" he tells me.

Jim Bunning was pitching for the opposing team, the Pirates at Forbes Field.

Al drove in 2 runs!

When Al proudly returned to the dugout, he said to Bob Skinner, his manager, Pretty good hit, huh Skip?"

Skinner mentioned that he noticed Al's backside "in the dugout."

Mr. Raffo notes that his manager obviously noticed that Al was nervous, and backing away as he hit the ball.

"However, I'll have you know, that later I also squeezed the runner on 3rd in and managed to pick off the newly acquired Freddie Patek on 1st!"

Al's closing comment is, "How do you like them apples, Skip?!!"

John Grubb- 1972-1987 Major Leaguer

John Grubb played for the Padres in 1972-1976. He spent 1977 and part of 1978 with the Cleveland Indians, and spent 1978-1982 with the Rangers. From 1983-1987 He was in Detroit.

I asked him recently about his very brief time in the minors, especially in 1986 when he played with the Nashville Sounds.

He says that he played there briefly while rehabbing from a shoulder injury. He said it was a nice place, but he was glad to be back in Detroit.

Concerning Kentucky, he says that his oldest son, Chris, went to UK and still follows them closely.

Jimmie Schaffer- 1961-1968 Major Leaguer

I got a great note from Jimmie Schaffer!

Jimmie has a couple of cool connections to Kentucky. He played his first AAA game in 1959 in Louisville as a member of the Omaha Cardinals playing against the Colonels.

He played there again in 1970 while playing with Rochester. He says that he enjoyed his visits to the bat company!

He also lived in Covington while playing for the Reds in 1968!

Jimmie managed in the Orioles minor league system, and got to know Blake Doyle who is from Cave City!

Mr. Schaffer says that he is a Phillies fan, as he played there a short time and he lives very close. He mentions that Allentown has their AAA team too!

Jimmie says that, these days, he spends a lot of time working in Limeport PA at the Limeport Stadium! He volunteers time there to help maintain the park! He sent a nice brochure on it too!

Wild Pitches

OK, so spring training is going on right now! I know, you are also excited about finally seeing some games again! It was a long winter.

For some reason, it seems that all of the sports radio and TV shows are still talking about football! ARGH!

I guess there is just more interest in that sport right now.

Still, lots going on. There is a new team in the Frontier League out of Illinois. That is exciting! I love that league.

One thing I miss about living in a major league city is the coverage of the team. I remember in Cleveland, one station had people at spring training covering the games, and interestingly, the atmosphere.

Still, I am glad that baseball is happening right now!

Ted Savage- 1962-1971 Major Leaguer

Ted Savage played for 7 different teams during an almost 10 year career in the majors. He sent me a very nice note recently.

Sometimes, short letters pack a big punch! This was one of those notes.

He talked about all of the greats he played with or against. He named Rose, Clemente, Mays, Gibson, Flood, Brock, and Mudcat Grant, "just to name a few."

Concerning Kentucky and playing in Louisville, he gives an honest story. He was playing for the Buffalo Bisons in 1961, and the team beat Louisville in the championship. He says the black players were not allowed to celebrate downtown.

Garry Roggenburk- Pilots and Twins

Garry Roggenburk played for the Twins at various points during the 60s, and he played with the Pilots during their year.

I asked him about playing in Kentucky. He said that he enjoyed playing for the AAA Louisville Colonels when they were the top Red Sox farm team.

He says that he also played college basketball for the University of Dayton from 1958-1962. At that time, he played against the Louisville Colonels basketball team.

Fred Rico 1969 Kansas City Royals

"My first day in the big leagues was a memorable one."

He hit a line drive over third base for a double in his first at bat. His next at bat, he hit another line drive between third and short for a single.

Fred tell s a great story about standing on first after that first career single. He says that he thought to himself that the big leagues were going to be easy.

The very next pitch he was picked off of first.

Fred says that Mickey Mantle was his favorite player.

Postcard: Memorial Stadium, Baltimore

"Completed in 1954 at a cost of over $6 million, with a permanent seating capacity of almost 50,000, this modern double-decker stadium is the home of the American League "Orioles" and the National Football League "Colts".

WOW! How times change!

Ray Rippelmeyer- 1962 Washington Senators

Ray Rippelmeyer, who played for the Senators in 1962, the Louisville Colonels in 1959, and the Evansville Braves in 1954 sent a great note to me recently!

He says, "I spent a lot of time playing in Louisville as an opposing player in 57, 58, & 61."

Ray tells me that he was the opening day pitcher for Louisville in 1959, but it was cold, and he felt that he did not do well. He was sent to Atlanta after 5 weeks and an ERA around 5.

He mentions that he played against Louisville, while playing for the Indianapolis Indians, in 1961 and he had some success, as they beat Louisville for the pennant that year.

Ray did something else very cool in the area he says. "I also refereed several games for Denny Crum."

Ray also mentions that his buddy Doug Flynn lives in Lexington! (Jimerado's note: Doug Flynn is an asset to the area!).

Mr. Rippelmeyer says that he has been to the new park in Louisville as a roving coach for the Mets!

Clyde Parris- Negro Leagues Star

Clyde Parris played in the Negro Leagues mostly in the mid to late 1940s.

Clyde very kindly sent me a note about baseball recently.

He notes that the last time he went to a game it was at Shea Stadium. His favorite player is Mariano Rivera.

I asked Clyde about playing in Kentucky. He is noted as a member of the Louisville Buckeyes. He said that he doesn't remember ever playing in Kentucky.

Of course, the team was transitioning between Louisville and Cleveland at that time.

Thanks for the note Mr. Parris!

Reds Caravan in Lexington

I took a few pictures at the Reds Caravan event
in Lexington a couple of weeks ago. The place was crowded!

I really love the mall area connected to Rupp Arena, and I would like to see this area get utilized more! This is a great area in Lexington. Downtown is just as attractive as any other downtown in any other city, but it is easier to get around, in my opinion. The mall is VERY crowded during concerts and UK basketball games, but go there on an off day. You will feel like you have the place to yourself! Plus, they have several cool and unique shops!

The caravan was fun too. Jay Bruce was the main attraction, along with Tom Bowning. The unannounced addition of Joe Morgan was a real treat for most.

The crowd was massive, and they did cut the autograph line promptly at 1:30, leaving some without autographs. The good people with the Reds did give free game tickets to those who did not get autographs.

Al Severinsen 1969 Orioles and 1971-1972 Padres

Al Severinsen sent me a great note recently. I liked it a lot, so I am going to simply quote most of it.

"My favorite team in the majors was and still is the Baltimore Orioles and the Rochester Red Wings of the International League. Louisville was also a great city to play in."

Al does mention former players he likes. "I really loved to watch the Atlanta Braves when they had Glavine, Maddux, and Smoltz, they always produced exciting, well pitched games."

I specifically asked Al about playing for the legendary Hawaii Islanders.

"Hawaii was the most unbelievable minor league experience, if you have to go to the minors, send me there."

Mr. Severinsen gives me another great story.

"As far as a story about baseball I like to say my wife and I 'baby sat' for a Hall of Famer for three years, and by my records I'm glad we did a good job. By the way, his name Cal Ripken Jr."

Randy Schwartz- 1965-1966 KC Athletics

Randy Schwartz played for the Athletics in 65-66.

He sent me a note answering some questions.

He says his favorite team is the Padres. He doesn't follow the minor leagues.

Adrian Gonzalez is his favorite player.

His favorite former players are Ted Williams and Tony Gwynn.

Thanks Randy!

Jack Smith- Milwaukee Braves and LA Dodgers

Jack Smith played for the Milwaukee Braves in 1964, and the Dodgers in 1962 and 1963.

He sent me this VERY cool photo of him at Wrigley Field. Check out his background! Probably every young player dreams of posing at Wrigley with ivy behind them!

Thanks for the photo Jack!