Spring Training Done Right

Looking for a way to warm-up this March? Like baseball? I have the perfect solution for you. For the past three years, I have made the trek down to the tip of the warm state of Florida for Spring Training. I live 20 minutes from downtown St. Louis, home of the World Champions--thank you very much! I consider myself to be an avid Cardinals fan, as anyone who knows me will attest. I am a fan so much so that my fiancé and I will be celebrating "Pitchers and Catchers Report Day" instead of that other commercial holiday that falls on February 14th.

As a seasoned Spring Training visitor, I have a few must-know tips I'd like to share. Whether flying or driving, a car is going to be a must-have in the Jupiter area. While there are many things to do, there's not a large amount of public transportation available. And, all that fare adds up, why not just have your own ride? Each time I went, I traveled with a different dynamic of people, yet had a blast each time. The first year I went with three college girlfriends. The second year I went with my boyfriend and another couple. Last year I went with my boyfriend, his brother, and their friend--boys, boys, boys. Each year, it was four college students traveling on college student budgets (read: small budgets). The following are some tips, suggestions, and experienced inside information to making your spring training experience the best one possible.

1. Location, location, location. Where you book your hotel can make or break your trip. Chances are, if you're driving, you'll find the cheaper hotels around the West Palm Beach area and towns south of Jupiter (where the Cardinals/Marlins stadium is at). The first year I went, I booked a hotel at Airport North in West Palm Beach. It was a nice hotel for a decent price. It took about ten minutes to get to the stadium and was located right next to the interstate. The second year, I booked a much cheaper hotel in Boca Raton. Now, we saved money, but the drive added about 45 minutes each way. How stupid! If you're driving, located your cheaper hotel by erring on the northern side of Jupiter. This will cut off travel time when you head back home. But the best area to zone in on, for younger folk at least, is somewhere in between Jupiter and West Palm Beach. Side note...getting a hotel that offers breakfast will save a few bucks!

2. Know what you're getting yourself into. With each different group that I traveled with, I had different experiences at Spring Training. The first year that I went with all girls, the focus was about 66% on baseball and 33% on checking out what else Florida has to offer. For you baseball fanatics, you may want to commit every waking second to the baseball atmosphere. But, remember that others may not want to do so and that Florida offers many other opportunities for a good time. Shopping, night clubs, restaurants, and that big thing called an ocean can provide countless hours of entertainment. In order to get the most out of your vacation, make sure all parties involved are made aware of each individual's wants and intentions. Then maybe you can pair up accordingly and split up for a day so that no one is left out.

3. Getting into the game. Many people who travel down to Roger Dean Stadium (the Cardinals/Marlins spring training facility) nab tickets online before they get down to the stadium. Not necessary. Only on the day of the game, RDS sells $10 tickets to the berm. Therefore, you can't be denied a ticket to a game because of a sell out if you show up in time to get these berm tickets. In three years, I have not yet been denied a berm seat. The catch with the berm is that it's basically a section of plush grass in right field where you can pitch a blanket and stretch out in the sun. You won't have a seat with a back on it, but depending on how crowded the lawn is, you can just stretch your legs and lay down. The major perk of a berm ticket is that you are literally within reach of the entire Cardinals bull pen. Essentially, where the berm ends there is a concrete wall about three feet tall. On the other side of that wall sits a bench full of pitchers, be it starters, relievers, closers, and any other hopefuls. About four feet deep from the bull pen bench is roped off for children ages about six and under. The usher is quite strict about keeping older folks out of this area, but I think that's a good thing. It's about the kids, isn't it? I think it was the second year I was down there when Jeff Murphy, the Cardinals bull pen catcher, played My Little Pony with a three year old girl for about two innings. Priceless. Many will remember Julian Tavarez, the Cardinals pitcher that lost a fight to a phone in the dugout, who took adoring fans onto his lap, switching ball caps and chatting it up. It's a great thing to witness. Now, what does this berm have in store for those who have outgrown Osh-Kosh? The fence that runs up the berm on the east side borders the right field foul line. You'll be right in the action and maybe catch a foul ball or two. More importantly though, this fence is where all of the Cardinal players walk past when they're finished playing in the game. The difference between regular season and spring training is that these athletes are working their bodies out to prepare themselves for the upcoming season. Winning and losing is not really the ultimate goal. In fact, come the fourth and fifth innings, you may never have heard of any of the names that are in the line-up. It's usually a bunch of hopefuls that will most likely end up in AAA, but you never know. That fence on the berm is a prime place to get autographs from some of the athletes that are harder to get.

4. Speaking of autographs... So, besides just getting to watch America's pastime in 80 degree sunshine, what else is there to do? Well, you're looking at a prime opportunity to meet some of baseball's greatest athletes. With meeting comes signing. But don't get caught up in the "gotta get the ink" mentality. If there's anything I've learned from my experience, it's not about whom I get to sign, it's more about whom I got to meet, talk to, and maybe get a picture with. Unless you're "one of those" who thinks they're going to make a fortune off of ebay when you get back with your signed loot, what's a signature? Why not a picture? Players love to sign for kids, as they should. But nothing makes a player exit stage left faster than pushy people that aren't respecting the fact that he's taking time out of his job to spend some time with you. Be patient and be kind. And just know that some autographs are going to be next to impossible to get, but that doesn't automatically mean the guy is a bad person. Many athletes have certain restrictions about signing. They don't owe you anything. If they do give you a bit of face time, be respectful and you'll usually be pleased with the results.

5. Timing is everything. When you arrive at the stadium will dictate what you'll get out of being there. If you're just going to catch a mid-March ball game, timing doesn't much matter. But if you want to try to meet some players, get there early. Before each game, the players work out on the practice fields that are on the east side of the stadium. You can follow a sidewalk that leads you straight to the fields that leads along the south side of the stadium. Here you will get to see a close up of coaches working with both individuals and groups, running drills, and improving their players. You will be with in feet of the pros while they do their thing on the grass and dirt. If you wait too long to get there, however, some of the higher profile players may have already left. So head down to the practice fields around nine in the morning.

6. Wear sunscreen! I don't think I need to elaborate on this one. At RDS there is virtually no shade and you will be in the sun.

7. Parking. There's a large open field used to park vehicles for $5 a car just past the stadium. Strangely enough, the parking garage located on the east side of the stadium is free. Why? I don't know. But I park there!

8. Eats. While the options seem virtually endless, one place I highly recommend for eating is a little privately-owned deli located at 14137 Us Highway 1, Juno Beach named Antonio's Deli. This place we happened to accidentally fall upon the first year we went down. It's a little slice of heaven! This full deli can make you a meal on the spot with their wonderful cuts of meat and tasty homemade Italian dishes. And! You must have some of the gelato. Never heard of it? It's a European style ice cream that is to die for! The owners are just wonderful people that remembered us year after year. These guys are friendly, helpful, and boy can they make some good food! If you go, tell them Annie from St. Louis sent you. They just might know who you're talking about.

All in all, I can guarantee you that your Spring Training vacation will be one you won't forget. Follow those tips and you'll have an edge up on other first-timers. Don't forget to take in the wonderful sun one day on the beach and enjoy all of the local food. And one more thing, Happy Pitchers and Catchers Report month! How exciting!