Anybody been to Hammond Stadium?

[TGutta]

Taking my first ever real spring break and going to Florida. Ill be going to three games at Hammond Stadium and just wanted to get some insight. Id like to try to grab a few auto's, but it isn't the most important thing. What would be the best time to go? And when do they practice as well? Just trying to get some info. Ill be at the games against the Phillies, Mets, and Marlins.

Thanks for any input

 

[tooly22]

Getting the visiting team is tough as the only place is the box seats area on the 3rd base side of the field. The team bus drives into a gated area and the public has no access to the team other than at the field level.

Getting the Twins is far easier as they have cages and all of their practice fields off of the 3rd base side of the field. If you get there well before the gates open you will have a shot at getting guys as they move from the clubhouse to the practice fields and back.

 

[TGutta]

Ok. I'm sitting in the lawn for the Phillies, Home dugout for the Mets, and Road dugout for the Marlins. How early before gates open would you suggest getting there?

 

[tooly22]

If you are hitting up the Twins, you could get there as early as 9-9:30 for a 1:05 game and there would be players moving back and forth between the cages, clubhouse and practice field. Otherwise, gates open either an hour and a half or two before games...I didnt go there this year so I dont know how they are but in years past it had been 2 hours before the game.

 

[TGutta]

Ok sounds good. I think the first game I'm just going to go and enjoy the game, and then the next two maybe try to get a few Twins autos.

 

[goblue6919]

I HATE Hammond Stadium.

Sucks for autographs. Little/no access to the players after the game. Food sucks, ****** team store and when I went for a game last spring training there were hundreds of wasps buzzing around the food/bathroom area.

The only good part is the fantastic access to the minor leaguers in the backfield.