MLB: Reflections on Spring Training's opening day

I was fortunate enough to see the Toronto Blue Jays play the New York Yankees in Dunedin, Florida last Thursday. With all the talk about Frank Thomas' whining and Gary Sheffield's getting no respect, one would think that baseball is in pretty bad shape.

But just when you think nothing is right with baseball, you go to a spring training game and get a whole new perspective.

The weather was perfect, 85 degrees and sunny. Of course, it is definitely not like opening day of the regular season, but I got excited nonetheless.

As I sat there in the sun with my cold beverage of choice watching Carlos DelGado, Bernie Williams, Doc Gooden, Chuck Knobloch and other prospects trying to make the team, life was very good. I never even thought about Frank Thomas or Gary Sheffield or any other spoiled players wanting more money to play a game. Just sitting there enjoying the game in the relaxed atmosphere made me realize why I like spring training games better than regular season games.

How can you not like being so close to the field and the players?

Many of the players even respond to the calls of the fans. Luis Sojo nodded and smiled to one fan's comment that he should have gotten to a foul ball down the first base line. It is nice to sit so close to the players and not have to be a millionaire to afford the seats right by the field. Also, you can get up from your seats and get a bite to eat or something to drink, or even go to the restroom and get back to your seat while missing virtually nothing. There is little or no waiting in line anywhere.

The little things of the game seemed very interesting to me. For instance, I wanted to watch how Knobloch threw to first base, or if he could make it there. He did make one good throw after making a nice stop. But the next inning, his warm-up tosses to first made me think that he is still having problems with throwing.. The first practice toss bounced about 6 feet in front of the first baseman. The second was far to the right of the first baseman. Finally, his last toss was high, almost over the head of the first baseman.

Needless to say, I commented that the Blue Jays should concentrate on hitting it to Chuck so they could get on base, and I could watch his attempt to throw someone out. Well, I got my wish. With a runner on first, a ball was hit sharply to Knobloch's left, which he made a great play on. But his throw to second was so far to the shortstop's right that he had no chance to even catch it. Being the Detroit Tiger fan that I am, I cheered the error realizing that Knobloch's problem is still there.

I was impressed with the Yankee fans. There were many around me that made the trip to Dunedin to watch their favorite team. Some were very loud in their cheering and wanted to win even though it was just a spring training game. One fan in particular, was yelling and cheering from the first batter to the last batter. Even though the Yankees were down 6 to 2 in the ninth, this fan was yelling at the Yankees to get fired up and that they could still win the game. I really admired his attitude and got a kick out of his comments.

As the innings went on and the stars left the game to go for a jog in right field while the game was still being played, I turned my attention to the prospects. These guys want to make the team, or at least, go to a higher level of minor league ball. So, they played hard and were fun to watch. While watching these players, you couldn't help but wonder if any of these guys were the next Alex Rodriguez or Mark McGuire.

Although I do have to admit, the salaries of Carlos DelGado and Bernie Williams entered my mind as I watched them play in the field and run back to the dugout. But these thoughts quickly left my mind as I enjoyed the sun, relaxing and watching the World Champion Yankees play the Toronto Blue Jays. No, the game is not going to count for anything once the regular season starts, but it was a glorious day for my father-in-law and I, one which I will recall many times over the next season.