Spring Training IP Advice - Please Help

[dtrainddog]

Always go to practice if you can and go early. I never got to go to a regular practice before but for ST the same rules apply. You will have to deal with bigger crowds wanting an autograph from that same big star. Do whatever your instincts tell you. Last year I attended a Phillies ST game. ARod was taken out after the 7th inning and went to finish his warmups in right field DURING THE GAME. Our seats were four rows back from 1B, so I thought "What the heck, go up to the railing. Maybe he would sign when he's done, you never know." After he was done in the 8th inning he came down and the fans yelled his name like crazy to get his attention. He actually took a pen from someone and started signing. He walked down the railing and only took the items from the people in the front. As you can imagine tons of other kids swarmed in and pushed me around which actually got me closer(I was one of the people in the front row.) He came to me, took my ball and signed it. I thanked him and wished him good luck that season. He nodded as if he understood and gave it back to me. He only signed for about 20 people there. I was one of the last 5.

1. Take a ballpoint pen - those work the best. Makic markers are great but they bleed through and get smuged after awhile

2. Stand near the dugout, 1B or 3B sides as close to the dugout as possible. Also ask around where the "hotspots" are.

3. I would recommend using Rawlings Official Major League Baseballs

4. To get these items signed I would recommend

8x10s - blue magic marker
ROMLB - ballpoint pen
cards - magic marker

5. Always carry a few ballpoint pens and a markers, this is not like nascar where the drivers have markers with them all the time. Also make sure you have the cap off of the pens. Hand the ball and the pen to the player at once. Wish them good luck and thank them for taking their time to sign an item for you.

Hope this helps.