|
Florida Spring Training: Your Guide To Touring The Grapefruit League |
Surprisingly for such an old park, this is one of the toughest places to get autographs, despite the players’ willingness to sign. About the only place you’re going to get an autograph is at the end of the stadium walkway on the first base side, where there is a little area about the size of a Volkswagen Bug. Every player has to pass this area to get into and out of the clubhouse. The problem is, by the time they’ve reached this area, they’re either in a hurry to get onto the field or are already nearly back inside. So you don’t have enough time to figure out which player is running by you before he’s out of reach.
Two places that look like prime autograph territory are the two VIP sections. These, however, are closed to anyone who does not have a VIP-section ticket, even two hours before the game when the sections are empty. The rest of the stadium is either too high off the field to allow you to reach down to the players or simply inaccessible. Occasionally, a player will sign on the home plate side of the dugout, but you can’t count on it. Bottom line: If you plan on getting an autograph here, study up on the players so you’ll recognize them instantly. Then get to the park early and stake your claim to a position along the fence at the end of the stadium on the first base side. Have hope. The few stars that Cleveland still has on its roster are eager and willing to sign autographs if you call to them. Chain of Lakes Park does have one bonus for autograph seekers who know their baseball history. Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller signs autographs every game in the picnic area. He’ll sign baseballs for free, but you are encouraged to buy a picture of him from the 1930s to sign. A photo costs $5 and it’s worth it to meet the legend. If you want his autograph, make sure you start waiting by the picnic tables before they announce that he’s heading there. Feller signs only a limited number of autographs per game and the wait can be long. The person sitting behind me in the stands was in line for most of the game when he got his. My wait was about an inning and a half. When I got to him, I asked Feller about his favorite Spring Training memory. He said it was going back to the hotel room after the games and studying so he could graduate high school. Remember, Feller was in the Major Leagues before he graduated. He was just 17 when he turned pro in 1935. Didn't find what you were looking for? Try a Google search.
IF
YOU FIND THIS WEB SITE HELPFUL, PLEASE CONSIDER |
|||
 |
The
Intrepid Traveler |
||
|
|
