Phillies spring training

[rycomstock]

I'm going to be fading down to Clearwater beach the middle of February, and wanted to take in phillies workouts while I'm down, and maybe even the jays. Any advice as far as where to be and what times are the beat times during the day. Any advice is greatly appreciated. And any one that wants to show me the ropes for a bit, I would gladly give up a couple new romlb or a signed romlb you may be in need of. Thanks in advance n

[cyberer]

PM me. I've never done the workouts but I know the facilities pretty well.

[cyberer]

I should clarify when I say I've never done the workouts- I have done workouts before down there, but never the ones before the actual spring training GAMES start. I've only been there in late Feb-Mar.

[druce26]

If you are getting tickets for the games, buy them in the left field corner, I think it's section 120. I made a killing right there in 09 and 10.

[cyberer]

He's right about 120- got howard and rollins there last year in the 7th inning after they were lifted from the lineup.

I didn't have seats there and they are total JERKS about letting people without tickets down there. However I usually stood right next to section 120 watching the game from the main concourse (standing room only) and I made friends with the usher in that section (pretty nice guy).

Then, when we saw Rollins and Howard signing he let me right down provided that I come right back up when I was done.

Additionally, if you can get seats in the picnic area in left field that is good too. I saw Raul and a few others sign there last year, and I heard that Halladay has signed there before (I wish- I need him for my SI cover to finish it).

I will be there last week of March this year.

[phillykid15]

If you plan on going any later than mid-February and you go to any games, make sure to buy tickets in the picnic area seating right by the left field pole, it's the first picnic area section. The area they were talking about by left field is good, but it can get very crowded and tough to get guys before the game sometimes.

If you're doing practices in mid-February, you may not do too well. Last year, I did some practices and it was extremely crowded. Guys like Rollins and Victorino signed a lot, but most of the others didn't.

I don't know if you know the set up of the practice fields, but they're all very close to each other and players may have to walk from one field to another by getting past you. Try to hang out in between the 2 fields where you walk in facing the facility house. I've gotten Victorino and I know someone who got Halladay there once.

The Phillies are one of the most popular teams in the league, so obviously their Spring Training is going to get a pretty big show. Last year was the biggest show I've ever seen, and I've been going for the last 4 years. Hopefully it will be better this year.

Good luck and I hope my advice helps!

[cyberer]

Ditto to what he said- hanging out by the fieldhouse at the practice field is great because it is the intersection between the practice fields and the main field. I know someone who got hamels and halladay there.

If you go late in the season (late feb or march) and get there really early like 8-9 am you will generally see one star there.

They have a current major leaguer every morning go and give a talk to the minor leaguers about a particular aspect of the game. That's how the guy I know got Utley and Halladay. I always arrived half an hour late. This year I'm showing up at 7:00 am lol.

I mentioned the picnic area above too, it's a good spot.

Pretty much the only guys I need/want down there are Jim Thome (I have him already but hes my favorite player) and first and foremost I WANT ROY HALLADAY ON MY SI COVER!!!

I have 4 of the 5 "aces" on that cover- everyone but doc. He will be my first and only priority this spring.

[rycomstock]

Thanks so much guys! I got tickets last year down in the left field corner against the orioles. Lucky enough to get sandberg, Howard, Jim Palmer, and victorino. This year we are going down before the games start.
I know exactly where you guys are talking about with the practice fields.
What time do you suggest getting to the fields? I've heard sandberg gets there at 545, and hallway shorly after. Any truth that you know of about that?
Either of you guys going to be down in February?
Thanks again for all the help!

[rycomstock]

Btw, any one have any knowledge about the blue jays in deunedin? That is also a thought for me.

[rockstar71888]

Co-signed on section 120. Went to a game last year. Only minor leaguers were signing before the game (no one i really cared to get), and we all got kicked out of that section when it started. But just about every player stopped there to sign after they got pulled from the game. Wish I was sitting there.