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The Gauntlet

More ST photos...

Many of the players & coaches filter down to practice fields to the west of the stadium prior to the game to work on specific drills and take BP. To get back to the stadium, they need to cross a parking lot between the stadium and the practice field. At the north side of the parking lot is a series of steps leading from the practice field to the stadium. There are barricades set-up to give the players/coaches a path to get back to the stadium. This is "autograph alley" or "the gauntlet".

 

This is a shot at northwest side of the lot near the steps (to the left). Fans are starting to stake out their spots.Springtraining2009053-1_medium

This is gate and barricades where the players emerge from the practice field and enter the gauntlet  (again, to the left).Springtraining2009055_medium

Now we are getting busy! Some of the players are starting to filter through the gauntlet. You can see Lackey and Escobar in the sea of red.

Springtraining2009059_medium

View just before the steps. Lackey and Weaver. Their hands are probably sore already, and they have a long way to go.

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Lackey getting closer.

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Dream Weaver.

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Jeff Mathis on the approach.

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The players are generally cordial and accommodating. Most fans are respectful. Some of the fans I found to be annoying. One fan kept asking Lackey to "…look up and smile!" while Lackey was trying to sign autographs...repeating it about 7-8 times. I guess she wanted a perfect picture. He ignored her.

Other fans wanted multiple autographs (on jerseys, photos, programs, gloves, on and on). To me, that would be really un-nerving. The players generally signed once or twice, then moved on. The "aggrieved" fan simply moved further down the line and waited to get the next items autographed.

I felt some sympathy for these players. I think some of the fans would have really tried my patience.

 

This Fan-Post is authored by an independent fan. Tell us what you think and how you feel.

4 recs  |  Comment 7 comments

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those are funny photos

I have been to Spring Training the last three years and have never made any effort to go to the practice fields. Looks like fun.
I don’t really understand the autograph obbession. " Ohh, please write your name on this piece of paper"
 I never try to get any and feel bad for the players.

by UCIHalo on Mar 29, 2009 10:39 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Hey Lackey, go take a shot of cortisone.

We wouldn’t want you to pull your arm signing an autograph.

by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Mar 29, 2009 11:58 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Maybe we can designate GMJ to do all his scratching for him. Finally, a role he can produce in!

Netherlands-2 Dominican Republic-0

by HaloDutch on Mar 30, 2009 8:01 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good god, that place is slammed!

Is this on a weekend? I went last year just after players reported, less crowds, no games, but you get a good view of the practices and one-on-one time with the players.

Blogging is FUN!

by Downing Rules on Mar 30, 2009 11:30 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Thanks for posting these pictures...

Ever since rbrianc disappeared, there has been very little coverage photographically. Thanks for doing a great job reporting.

Blogging is FUN!

by Downing Rules on Mar 30, 2009 12:28 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Thanks!

I wanted to do about 3 more posts but 1) It takes time and 2) I am slammed at work!

The good words are appreciated. I am fortunate to have this forum.

by sothball on Mar 30, 2009 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

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