First Spring Training Coming Up: Advice Appreciated

[padremurph]

So in two weeks I'm going on my first spring training trip and I need a little advice on the auto portion. I'm planning on watching baseball whenever possible, I hear there's open practices at the stadium before all the games? If so, I'll be there as there won't be anything else to do. This kind of leads me to my first question: When are where is the best place to get autos? I by no means want to revolve the trip around grabbing autos but at the same time definitely want to get a few. Is the best place the practices before the games? Do the players sign right before the games like a regular season game? I haven't gone for an IP auto at a game in probably 15 years so it's been a while.

My second question is how easy is it to get the bigger names? I'm seeing the Padres play the Angels, Mariners, and Cubs so I would be wanting to get Castro, Felix, and Ichiro (besides the Padres). Wouldn't be disappointed if I didn't get them but more wondering if I should buy OMLB's and the Ginter's I don't have to take to get signed? If it's not likely to get them, I would just take cards just in case. I'm guessing it won't be hard to get any of the Padres.

Also, aren't the minor leaguers in spring training too, usually close the the big league team? Do they have practices/games open to the public. Would like to check out some of the Padres prospects.

Thanks for any input. Sorry for the long read but figure you guys are pros at this and know what's going on.

 

[padremurph]

Anyone? I really have no idea about this and would appreciate some help.

 

[yankees23657]

I have never been to Arizona for spring training, but will be going to Tampa on Friday for my 6th annual trip with my Dad. Most of the teams have practice fields outside the actual stadium. You may find the big league teams practicing there at times, but usually that is just where the minor leaguers practice and play. I know that the Yankees minor league complex is a couple of blocks down the road from the stadium, and arizona may have a totally different set up altogether.

From my experience, the minor league fields are easily accesible and free to watch games. Although obtaining autos from minor leagues is not as easy, just because coaches usually shuffle them around pretty quickly. And most are just trying to keep their roster spot, so dont take offense if they cant stop to sign, they probably just dont want to get yelled at lol. At the big league games, many of the players will sign after batting practice and maybe when they come back out right before the game starts. The locals will know where the best spots are to get autos so just asking around can get you some great tips as well.

 

[Anthony]

The big names are really hit or miss. I've gone the last 5 years and never got close to getting Ichiro's signature. I went to Peoria last weekend (the trip really does revolve around autographs in my case--adding to the RC Auto collection) and came home with 139 autographs. Not many big names, but I'm very happy with what I got.

Yes, go to the practices and players often sign before the games and as they leave the games. This is why I don't actually watch much baseball. I try to get signatures at the practices and as players arrive/leave. I saw about 6 innings of baseball the 4 days I was in AZ.

 

[mancini79]

I'm in AZ right now for spring training. I have gotten plenty of autos without having to hit up the practice fields. I usually get to the stadium early and catch them just after their BP or pregame stretches. It's easy to get to the front row of the section next to the dugouts. Yesterday Brandon Wood and Mike Trout came up to the stands and signed right down the line. Like some have said before, it's hit and miss for which players sign. You can also get autos after the game. If you have a kid, that's a huge plus. Players will go out of their way to sign for them. Players are everywhere in the Phoenix/Tempe area. You will run into them at hotels, bars, restaurants, etc.

 

[craftysouthpaw]

If you want to get the big names, you usually have to devote the day towards autographs. The best bets for the big guys are to do some combination of the following - and ideally all of them: (1) Get to the park before 7:00 AM and try to get them driving in and/or walking to the practice fields, cages, etc (2) Go in the stadium as soon as gates open (3) Once the starters begin coming out of the game, position yourself down near the clubhouse (assuming it isn't accessed through the dugout) or near where the guys run sprints along the warning track (not all teams make their guys run and it seems less frequent every year) (4) Once the guys go to the clubhouse, go out to the parking lot gates and get guys driving out. This will entail leaving the stadium in the six inning or so.

Since it sounds like you are going to focus more on watching games, you should probably just get to the stadium once gates open and try for autographs during BP and before the game. A bunch of guys will almost certainly sign but your shot at the bigger names will be a crap shoot. You could head to the parking lot after the game as well but just realize it is likely several guys will have already left.

I've never been to AZ so these are more general tips. I go to FL every year and hope to get out west some year. Good luck!

 

[padremurph]

Thanks a lot for the pointers guys. Looks like my best bet is to just figure out when the stadium opens up and get there then. If it's not too early then I'll cruise around and find the practice fields. As for the big names and what to take, I guess I'll just take a few baseballs and mostly cards, I'll be happy with anything.

Thanks again, much appreciated.