Living in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. affords me the luxury of being in close proximity to several Spring Training sites. Some friends and I will be heading to Jupiter, Fla. to attend a Marlins game at Roger Dean Stadium this afternoon.
Spring Training games are a lot less casual than regular-season games for several reasons. I like how players are more accessible before and during the games. Players roam around the field, stretching or running wind sprints somewhere in deep center field. Other players will line the fences, signing autographs or having conversations with fans of all ages.
The Florida sun beats down, the smell of hot dogs and hamburgers fill the air and Jimmy Buffet music plays. The sound of the crack of the bat hitting the ball and the polite cheering from the crowd gets me in the baseball spirit.
I'm looking forward to the season. My Brewers should be strong. I'm not happy about Yovani Gallardo's knee injury, but he shouldn't miss too much time. Milwaukee's lineup is as solid as it has been in years, so I say let the fun begin!
