Spring Baseball - Day 4
Just finished uploading the pictures from day 4. So I figured I'd finish my blogging....
So this morning I went in with the intention to go see some batting practice before the game began, maybe check out some of the facilities at the Angels site. I forgot that all of the minor league players were there, also. Which was somewhat of a nice surprise. I got to walk among them, which was both cool and kinda nerve-wracking at the same time. Met good folks there (other fans) and had many good conversations. I was in my Padre gold and brown, so I kinda stood out considering everyone else there were Angels fans. Didn't meet any Padres fans until I came out to see the end of the major league players workout. Watched the workouts and ran down a couple of home run balls for souvenirs. I was hoping to catch one in the air, but I had to settle for chasing 'em. :)
The game was good though it ended in a 4-4 tie. The Pads had a 3-0 lead for most of the game. Randy Wolf, the Padres #4 starter, pitched a 5-hit beauty through six innings, and the Padres were hitting well, even though they only managed to put up 3 runs. The bullpen (*cough* Kevin Cameron *cough*) allowed the Angels back into the game. He got sent down to the minors today.
One final note: I noticed some major differences in the marketing and merchandise that each of the clubs offered. Kudos go to the Brewers and Angels. They sold the kind of stuff that I want to buy: simple, classy looking t-shirts, hats, and jerseys. The Padres get 'meh' marks. No jerseys, some good looking hats, and a couple of decent t-shirts, but to be frank I was disappointed. Failing grades go to the Royals. Man, was their stuff butt-ugly. I really wanted a t-shirt with the Royals logo on it (simple, classy) but they had bupkus in that category. All of their t-shirts were awful. So I had to settle for a hat (which at least fit).
The trip back was uneventful and even though I got back two days ago, I'm still feeling beat. Next year, I definitely want to bring some friends/family along. Oh, and take some SLR photos. So that has just become the next toy I will strive to get. Maybe. If I can afford it.
So this morning I went in with the intention to go see some batting practice before the game began, maybe check out some of the facilities at the Angels site. I forgot that all of the minor league players were there, also. Which was somewhat of a nice surprise. I got to walk among them, which was both cool and kinda nerve-wracking at the same time. Met good folks there (other fans) and had many good conversations. I was in my Padre gold and brown, so I kinda stood out considering everyone else there were Angels fans. Didn't meet any Padres fans until I came out to see the end of the major league players workout. Watched the workouts and ran down a couple of home run balls for souvenirs. I was hoping to catch one in the air, but I had to settle for chasing 'em. :)
The game was good though it ended in a 4-4 tie. The Pads had a 3-0 lead for most of the game. Randy Wolf, the Padres #4 starter, pitched a 5-hit beauty through six innings, and the Padres were hitting well, even though they only managed to put up 3 runs. The bullpen (*cough* Kevin Cameron *cough*) allowed the Angels back into the game. He got sent down to the minors today.
One final note: I noticed some major differences in the marketing and merchandise that each of the clubs offered. Kudos go to the Brewers and Angels. They sold the kind of stuff that I want to buy: simple, classy looking t-shirts, hats, and jerseys. The Padres get 'meh' marks. No jerseys, some good looking hats, and a couple of decent t-shirts, but to be frank I was disappointed. Failing grades go to the Royals. Man, was their stuff butt-ugly. I really wanted a t-shirt with the Royals logo on it (simple, classy) but they had bupkus in that category. All of their t-shirts were awful. So I had to settle for a hat (which at least fit).
The trip back was uneventful and even though I got back two days ago, I'm still feeling beat. Next year, I definitely want to bring some friends/family along. Oh, and take some SLR photos. So that has just become the next toy I will strive to get. Maybe. If I can afford it.