watching ST games in Peoria

by whwang on Mar 19, 2007 8:31 PM PDT

Hi folks,

Pardon me if the question is too stupid.

I am a Taiwanese fan now living in New Mexico. I plan to go to Peoria to watch this Saturday's game. I'd been to a couple of official games during the season but never a spring training game. Besides the game itself, I wonder if there is anything fun out there? For example, if I want to see the players practicing in the field, how early should I go there? Is there any chance to say hi to the players? Or even get some autograph?

Thaks!

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Hi

The practice fields open at 9, so I'd head over there then. You can watch both major and minor leaguers do batting/fielding/pitching practice.

As far as autographs, you can get minor leaguers autographs as they walk out to their fields.

For major leaguers, you can get the ones that won't be playing that day as they walk back from Field #3, and they generally sign as they leave (usually 1.5 hours before gametime or so)

The starters, your Ichiros and Ibanezes generally work out at Field #1, which is directly attached to the clubhouse. Occasionally they will sign, but don't get your hopes up.

by Corco on Mar 19, 2007 9:43 PM PDT reply actions

The best place I found to get autographs

is right by the tunnel next to the RF bullpen at Peoria's stadium before the game. Once the regulars get taken out, watch for them to walk out down the first base line, then chase 'em down to get their autograph. I probably got over 65 autographs in just a week...

We'll Always Have the Kingdome:

by BrettJMiller on Mar 19, 2007 10:59 PM PDT reply actions

Another autograph option

A lot of games, you'll typically find one or two players over at McDuffy's (sports bar across the street from the stadium). Once the first team gets pulled in the third or fourth inning, they're showered, dressed, and gone by the fifth inning, and a few of them will typically head over to McDuffy's for a beer or two. Worth a shot, and if there's no players there there's usually a ton of fans there so it's fun either way.

Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.

by pdb on Mar 20, 2007 7:10 AM PDT reply actions