The Boys of Summer – Return to Spring Training – Part 4

It was the last day at spring training and a long, full day ahead of us as we would be leaving on an all-nighter back home.  Our morning started with a quick complimentary, full breakfast at the hotel.  Midway through eating, a chunk of my strawberry waffle went airborne as I cut it and landed in the middle of the table.  I quickly scooted the large piece over to Rick’s side of the table while he was looking at his phone – he was none the wiser! 

Just like the previous day, we made it to the Brewers practice field before 9:30 to avoid parking fees.  We discovered in the two months we were out there, of the ballparks we went to, that was the only team who charged for parking.  As we walked up the sidewalk to the practice fields, one of our favorite baseball families – the Avinas – were ahead of us.  In addition to Jace’s parents and brother Austin, his grandparents – Kathy and John Flamm – on his mom Jenny’s side, had made the trip to Arizona.  The entire family was so excited to be at his first spring training experience. 

The familiar sound of cleats on the pavement began and excitement was in the air as the young prospects were all still vying for the final spots on team rosters for Biloxi AA, Wisconsin High A, Carolina A and the Brewers Arizona Complex League rookies.  The correct swing and connection of the ball to the bat were imperative as the coaches looked on.  Hurlers were tweaking their specialty pitches with future battery-mates.  After the workouts, they dispersed to practice fields where they would play visiting minor league teams while some would be playing with the big-leaguers in the Rockies/Brewers game at the adjacent ballpark or because it was a split-squad day, others went to Glendale to play the Dodgers at Camelback. 

We had tickets to the Rockies and Brewers matchup.  We were thrilled to see several former Mudcats – Noah Campbell, Zavier Warren, Hendry Mendez, Robert Moore, Alex Hall and our friend, Michele Vassalotti at that game.  Unlike the rest of the week where I wore my baseball attire, this day I was wearing my University of Houston T-Shirt. My #1 Cougars were playing in the NCAA March Madness against #5 Miami in the Sweet 16 later that afternoon.  After the game, plans were to head straight to dinner with Vassalotti and watch the match-up at Dave and Buster’s.  In the 3^rd inning, I turned to watch a foul ball go by close to us and right behind me was a guy in a Houston Cougars T-Shirt!  4,507 people in attendance at a baseball game in Arizona – what were the odds of a fellow Cougar sitting behind right me?? 

Starter Corbin Burnes gave up 5 runs with 10 hits in his 5 innings and the Milwaukee bats never caught up.  Towards the end of the game, we moved down on the grass near right field and overlooking the bullpen where Vassa was waiting his turn to possibly pitch.  Unfortunately, the Brew Crew came up on the short-end of the 9 – 4 score and we didn’t get to see him pitch in relief.  After the game, Michele suggested that we meet him out front.  He wanted to shower there as we were going straight to dinner and to watch my Cougars game.  Rick and I headed to the front of the building to wait.  After several minutes, Rick noticed that they were locking the gates to the practice fields where he was parked.  He high-tailed to the parking lot.  “I’ll find you guys!”  So, I’m there and no Michele yet.  Players started to trickle out of the building and get on the bus.  I walked over to the bus and Darrick, the driver, confirmed that it was the players bus back to the hotel.  He also knew Vassalotti.  “He’s one of my favorite players,” he claimed.  “He’s mine too,” I said with a smile.

Michele came out and told Darrick he wouldn’t be on the bus.  Still no Rick.  He had passed the entrance once and was looping around a second time.  It was almost game time for my Cougars.  By now the bus had left.  I told Michele that the navigator should have gone with Rick.  “Mr. Rick will find us,” he assured me and he finally did.  Dave and Buster’s sport bar was packed since it was a Friday and several games were on including the woman’s college basketball games.  I spotted a table right below the Houston and Miami game.  I looked up at the huge screen.  It was already in the 2^nd half and it was apparent there would be no Elite 8 for my team.  There would be no complimentary massage for me either at my chiropractor’s office in their bracket contest.  I had entered the day coasting in first place and plummeted with Houston’s loss since I had them picked as winning the tournament.   Yes, while others go for the big-bucks bracket contests, I would have been happy with a massage!  Maybe next year!