Anyone ever graph tigers spring training?

[cyberer]

This is one of the only stadiums near tampa that I haven't been to. Looking for tips, inside and out, for the home team. I will be going in March, so after the games have already begun.

As usual, any tips leading to getting a graph that I want will result in a reward for the person who helped.

[mberger718]

They have a Lakeland Chamber of Commerce BBQ at the stadium that most of the players attend, although there are no autographs allowed. I thought it would be cool to mingle with some players though. It's $60 a person and is from 6-8pm on February 20th.

Behind the stadium on the right field side, close to the parking lot, there is a grass field enlosed by a fence where you can sometimes get guys working out in the back. It's between the practice fields and the clubhouse. This is really the only place to get autographs during the workouts. As far as inside the stadium before games, it's been tough but if you go to the bleacher area down the left field line and walk all the way down to the front, sometimes players will sign there. I think the ushers are somewhat tough near gametime so unless your seats are actually down there they may kick you out. Of course, around the dugouts would be a good spot as well.

[cyberer]

My reading said you can get the tigers as they are lifted from the lineup, or before the game, down the RIGHT FIELD side of the concourse. Their clubhouse is there and have to walk that way. Can you confirm that?

When you said left field I assume you meant the home team; I'm only after the tigers.

[mberger718]

Your reading is correct, the clubhouse is on the right field corner and players have to come on and off the field from there. I haven't had much luck there but hopefully you will get lucky.

As far as the left field bleachers I was referring to the players warming up in the outfield sometimes come over before the game and sign down there. I believe it would be the visiting team's players though.

Best bet is definitely behind the stadium in the grassy fenced in area during the team workouts before the games start, but you can't get to the areas where they actually practice. You pretty much have to wait around until they are done and come back into the clubhouse.

[cyberer]

I am going on March 1st, so I won't be there for February workouts. I will get there early (8am-ish) on a gameday and camp in the grassy spot you speak of until the gates open, and then go in to section 100 (my tickets are there) right on that right field corner.

[cyberer]

Also, to be clear, I'm really only after miggy and verlander, so my hopes aren't high.

[mberger718]

Good job getting those tickets, should make it better to get autographs. I know there are certain times that the main gate in the back in front of the grassy area is closed on game day, not sure exactly when.

[mberger718]

Those are the guys everybody wants. I have gotten Cabrera a few times (mostly when he was with the Marlins earlier in his career). I have been in position to get Verlander a few times in the back grassy area during workouts but he has never signed for me. I got Cabrera back there once a couple of years ago. When Prince Fielder joined the team a couple/few years ago, during his first spring training he signed everything and took pictures with everybody. I saw some guys get him 5+ times.

[walker066]

I graphed them by myself in 2007. I purchased a box ticket between the clubhouse and the dugout. There is space that does not have netting in front of you and that is where I was. All the players walk by you, so you have a great chance. I got there early to set up shop and didn't have too many issues until closer to game time. That is when the ushers moved people off the railing unless you had a ticket in that section. I argued with them a little bit because they tried to tell me to get to my section, but after a few times of showing them my ticket, they left me alone. YOUR BEST CHANCE IS TO HAVE A TICKET IN THAT SECTION!

I got 7 Tigers and Granderson being the best of the group. I also got 4 Blue Jays and Vernon Wells being the best.

Good luck getting Miggy and Verlander. Hope you have success.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

[RealBrianD]

go to where theres a space between the clubhouse and their dugout. theres an area around there that has no obstructions to access the players. theres railings, but thats about it, no screens no netting etc...also, like someone mentioned above, the grassy area out beyond left...my buddy goes every year, so i just asked him. he said Verlander is really tough because hes pretty skeptical of people being sellers etc but that he is gettable, as long as u prove youre a collector (ex: dont have 100 photos out, and a ton of balls in your bag lol)...he said he hasnt seen miggy sign for anyone last 2 seasons, but he has in the past. typically for children or super attractive women lmao. so hijack a kid, and kidnap a model and u got a shot lmao!! just kidding. Good luck bud, hopefully u can pull this off. that would be an awesome success!