MLB Spring Training Experience

For years, fans of professional baseball have traveled during February and March to locations in Florida and Arizona. Their quest is not to visit the beaches and follow the sun, but to see and possibly meet favored baseball stars and those players who are beginning their professional careers. Many factors make the spring training experience worthwhile to the fans.

The training facilities for several teams are within a short car ride of one another. This makes it possible to see more than one team practicing and/or playing in a single day. If there are games scheduled, a visitor is able to see the stars in a more relaxed and fan-friendly setting. Stadiums are smaller, as are the crowds, allowing more one-on-one time with players during breaks. When a team is traveling away from their facility, oftentimes, several players will stay back for specialized coaching. A visitor can witness players and coaches reviewing the fundamental skills of pitching, hitting, and fielding.

Everywhere, fans (young and old) are seen chasing foul balls, clutching pens, bats, programs, and baseballs. Fans wave their sharpies and yell to the players for the chance at a hand shake, a nod of a cap, or the prized autograph. What may seem like complete bedlam to some, is a chance of a lifetime to others.

This was the case for 9-year-old, Tripp Church, a Boynton Elementary third grader. Tripp had grown weary of hearing the stories of past years trips from his father and older brother. February of this year marked his rite of passage. Armed with baseball cards, baseballs, and a camera, Tripp traveled with his father, Bob Church and friend, Darren Richmond. Their first stop on February 25 was to see the Yankees in Tampa, Fla. Weary from the previous days' travel, Tripp was not deterred. Players get to the stadium early, so if he was to get a chance for an autograph, he had to get going.

The six day baseball marathon tour took the threesome to Tampa, Clearwater, Bradenton, Kissimmee and to the revered site of the Braves Camp, Orlando/Buena Vista. Seeing stars from all the teams had its appeal, but nothing would compare to Tripp's final encounter. Upon entering the Braves stadium, Tripp spotted #10 Chipper Jones at the plate for batting practice. Tripp worked his way closer to the field to watch his idol knock the ball all over the field and even some out of the park. One would think that the sweetest sound in baseball was the sound of a home run, but to Tripp, it was the sound of Chipper Jones cracking his bat. After finishing his batting round, Chipper walked over to the gathered crowd and handed Tripp the bat. Chipper was asked to sign the bat and he willingly obliged.

Spring Training is the "Fields of Dreams" for players and fans alike. This year Spring Training was especially a dream for one 9 year old boy.