Posts Tagged Spring Training
The Boys of Summer – Our Florida Adventures at Spring Training – Part 4
Posted by 'lottasports in Baseball, Spring Training on April 10, 2024
The Boys of Summer – Our Florida Adventures at Spring Training – Part 4
Our fourth day involved packing up because we would be moving up the coast later that morning. Our hotel luggage cart looked like we were running away from home. With cool nights and hot days, it was a challenge to pack light. To support our four road days, there were also bags of cookies, nuts and peanut butter pretzels as well as a cooler with luncheon meat, cheese and bottled water. After the last haul to the car, as I waited for the elevator, a tall guy sprinted past me and down the hallway with a tall drink container in his hand. The elevator arrived. I peeked around the corner. The guy was in the final stages of the fill. “Would you like me to hold the elevator?” Despite, the short ride, I did find out the telling athletic frame was indeed a player for the Minnesota Twins organization. Alec Sayre was at the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, the A affiliate of the Twins and on a rehab assignment from a right thumb fracture.
Within ten minutes, Rick and I were on the road to Bradenton. It was a beautiful day for the ride up the Florida Coast. As we passed the exit for Port Charlotte, spring home of the Tampa Bay Rays, I remembered the years we attended spring training when the Texas Rangers were there. Those were fun times especially the year I took my mom and she got to meet Nolan Ryan and Craig Reynolds. When we got to the Bradenton area, we witnessed several intermittent groups of law enforcement vehicles thankfully going the opposite direction. Things finally calmed down and the count was at fourteen which had passed us with sirens wailing and lights flashing! Throughout that day, I asked around including a policeman on duty at the ballpark what might have been going on. No one knew. Maybe it was a practice drill for spring break the following week.
Our first stop was Pirate City, practice fields for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Unlike most of the teams we visited, the ballpark for the games was five miles away. We were welcomed by a couple of staff members and a security guard. On the card table were handouts about the team. I explained to the three that I had a friend that was coaching in the minors for the Pirates. The security guard motioned us towards a walkway. The complex had four practice fields that were named after Pirates Hall of Famers Roberto Clemente, Pie Traynor, Honus Wagner, and WIllie Stargell. To my right was a group of players gathered around a picnic table studying a laptop and watching batting practice while another group of players rotated in the batting cage as two coaches looked on. Neither of the coaches was Gary Green, former Olympian and shortstop for the Texas Rangers. I paused near the table. “Do any of you know which field Gary Green is on?” I must have looked official with my coiled notebook dangling from my neck as I got an immediate answer. “He’s at LECOM today for the game.” I glanced at my watch. The gates were opening in about forty-five minutes. Since we weren’t sure about where the ballpark was or the parking situation, we headed to the ballpark.
When we arrived at LECOM Ballpark, a line of fans was already wrapped around the building and we still had to find parking. We did the block once and settled on fifteen dollars parking behind the left field fence. “We’ll be fine unless someone hits a homerun,” I thought to myself. As we stood in line, we people-watched the photographers and scouts going in an early entrance. One fan walked by the line saying he was most impressed with the set-up at “Steinberger Stadium.” I thought to myself, “George Steinbrenner must be rolling over in his grave.” Once the gates opened, the line moved quickly since the stadium was no bags of any kind even clear ones. I was getting quicker at the magnetometer with my “life” in four pockets and my baseball cap.
According to an usher, the Pirates players would be coming in from a building outside right field. When I got there, several fans of all ages were already gathered so I squeezed in by an elderly couple. It was a good location as their grandson was a pitcher for the Pirates. The odds were that he would be coming over to see them. After several minutes, the players started trickling out from a building behind right field. It was as though someone stepped on an ant hill as fans infiltrated the right field corner. “Hey Mr. Honeywell!” a little kid next to me with an open marker and a ball shouted. My guess was right. A player with long dark locks proceeded to the grandparents. After a brief visit with them, I interjected, “Is Gary Green coming out?” “Who?” I explained he was a coach for AA Altoona. “Don’t know him” and he walked back to the clubhouse. It turned out that Brent Honeywell was a free agent who was under the White Sox organization last year. His status was an invitee to spring training. In other words, he knew no one with the Pirates!
As I patiently waited for more to come out, the field staff started positioning the batting cages in front of my vintage spot! A savvy fan by me assured me that our little area was still where players could come up. He was wrong as more big equipment was positioned. We had to relocate down into a narrow corner. As players stopped to autograph for the savvy fan, I would ask about Gary Green. He was still inside. I was just about to give up because the game was getting ready to start when I spotted two older guys looking like coaches coming out. When asked about Green they pointed to two guys who had walked out in front of them. By now Gary was halfway to the dugout. By the time I weaved through the fans blocking the aisles, he was already in the dugout. I took the five steps down to one end of the dugout. Murphy’s law – he was at the other end. Thank goodness for informalities at spring training. I called out to one of the guys near my end. “Could you please tell Gary Green that Carlotta is here?” Success! Gone were the long dark curls Green had the last time I saw him. “It’s been a while,” he said. I laughed. “Try early nineties.” I had less than a minute with him, but it was long enough to get a picture and tell him how I was working for a ball club.
Our seats were about twelve rows up from the Pirates dugout. They were playing Toronto and as in the other spring training games, the stars played five to six innings and then were replaced by the minor leaguers. We got to see Honeywell pitch and he did not have a good outing, giving up two go-ahead runs in the eighth inning. I felt bad for his grandparents. The Pirates came back in the eighth inning with three runs and escaped with a 6 – 5 win! Remember the parking lot? It was a correct premonition. Three homerun rockets were launched that afternoon! After the game, I returned to my post at right field and got to meet TSung Che Chang, who had one of the home runs. There was another small world moment when I met catcher Abrahan Gutierrez who knew Vassalotti. When I messaged Michele our picture, he messaged back, “AB! He’s a great guy.” I laughed. He had said same thing about Vassa.
Our hotel was east of Bradenton in Lakewood Ranch near I75 which we were taking to Tampa the next morning. The only restaurant near the hotel was Texas Roadhouse. The parking lot was packed. We did not have reservations so while Rick was parking, I found myself rotating on circles across from the hostess stand until I got to one saying “On Deck.” As Rick came through the door, I had just moved to “Now Batting.” Dinner was pretty good. I had grilled shrimp with garlic lemon pepper and the best seasoned rice I’ve ever had. Rick had a rib eye steak with a huge baked potato with the works. We texted with Vassalotti during dinner pretending he was eating with us like a year ago. Dessert was to go. Once again, I negated the “good” main meal with dessert! I had the homestyle apple pie and Rick went with a cheesecake with strawberry sauce and whipped cream. “Tomorrow I’ll be better,” I promised myself. Really.
To be continued.
The Boys of Summer – Our Florida Adventures at Spring Training – Part 3
Posted by 'lottasports in Baseball, Spring Training on April 3, 2024
For day three of our baseball adventure, we headed west in Ft. Myers to Lee Health Sports Complex which was spring training home to the Minnesota Twins and year-round to the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. After parking in front of the stadium, we proceeded to a small group of security guys as I needed to find out their bag policy for the game that afternoon. I had used my clear bag at the two Boston games, even though the Red Sox still had a relaxed policy of a small purse and sealed bottle of water allowed. It was a good thing I checked at the Twins complex as I found myself in a return trip to the car. No bags were allowed – not even a clear one. After re-organizing, it was amazing what all I could fit in four jean pockets and under my baseball cap! I had to laugh as sometimes Rick would pawn off his program, purchased merchandise, rain gear, ballpark peanuts and glasses to my clear bag. Not that day! Our ponchos stayed in the car.
The batting cages were adjacent to the stadium. Several fans were peering through the chain link as one batter hit balls being thrown by a coach. I recognized my former Red Sox fantasy baseball catcher immediately. I turned to the man next to me. “Is that Christian Vázquez?” I inquired. “Yeah, but he doesn’t do any autographs or pictures.” The fan was right! Despite the clamors for Vázquez, he ignored everyone and eventually left the cage. “See? That’s what happens when you win a World Series!” the fan called out. No one else came out so we headed to the Practice Fields.
We spotted a group of players doing stretching on a field to the left of the walkway. Straight ahead was the area where pitchers warmed up before heading to the practice fields on the right. We started towards the pitching area and were met by a sign on the fence “Authorized Personnel Only.” Instead, I went back to where they were stretching and leaned on a fence by the water cooler. I hadn’t been there long when a gal named Asja Morello, the Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Mighty Mussels and a guy with a clipboard came over to refill bottles. I chatted with the guy briefly about my friend, pitcher Michele Vassalotti. I shared how the Twins tried to get him in a trade last June when he was in High-A Wisconsin, but the Brewers parted with Tanner Floyd instead. Despite very good performances in the World Baseball Classic and European Championships last year and most recently with the Cardenales who went to the Venezuelan Championship, surprisingly he remains unsigned by any US team. The Cardenales’ only win in the finals went to Vassalotti. The guy with the clipboard planned to share the update at their next meeting.
A few minutes later, a player came over. “Hi! What level are you?” I asked. “I’m AA Wichita,” he replied as he filled his bottle. “Nice. I work for an A club – the Carolina Mudcats.” It turned out that one of his friends he grew up with in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, played for the Mudcats a couple of seasons ago. I knew immediately who the friend was – Joe Gray Jr! His dad, Joe Gray Sr. and I used to share high 5s every time his son launched a homerun at our games! Also attending our games was Justin Finn, Joe’s financial advisor out of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The player smiled. “Justin is my guy too! I’m Regi Grace, Jr.” Another small world moment but the talk ended. It was time for Regi to get back to stretching. I laughed as I started back to the stadium when I spotted several fans walking by the “Authorized Personnel Only” sign and proceeding into the restricted area. Not me!
I met up with Rick at the security checkpoint. As I approached the magnetometer, I emptied my pockets of anything that might compromise my walkthrough. When I collected my cell phone, Canon pocket camera, ID/wallet on a metal belt loop clip and car keys on another belt loop clip, I whispered to the same security guard from our initial arrival. “It sure would have taken less time to screen my clear plastic bag” and winked at him. As in the previous two days, I saw a scout I knew from Mudcats visits. This game it was Cory Melvin, former scout with the Brewers and now with the Yankees. I also met Jose Almonte who scouted for the Marlins.
The former World Champion Atlanta Braves were the visiting team and got off to an exciting start in the top of the inning. The third batter, Braves Matt Olson, launched a 418 foot home run which scored Michael Harris II who was on base. The Twins answered with their own arsenal; three homeruns, two in the fourth inning by Ryan Jeffers and Will Castro followed by one in the fifth, compliments of former Guardians Carlos Santana. Rick moaned what could have been if Santana had stayed with his team. We also saw one of Vassalotti’s teammates from Team Italy, Braves David Fletcher. He had an infield single and a stolen base. Final of the game was the Twins edging the Braves 4-3. After the game, we took the walkway above the bullpens around the ballpark. Beyond center field, the walkway overlooked a small pond with an ominous sign about feeding and harassing alligators!
For our last night in Ft. Myers, Rick chose Two Meatballs in the Kitchen for dining. The place was packed since some restaurants in the area were closed Mondays and it was very noisy. There was no doubt that they served Italian food as the place reeked of garlic. We both had a house salad of Romaine, mixed greens, olives, cucumbers, croutons, carrots, celery, tomato with a house Italian dressing. I decided on Luigi’s Favorite Pasta. It was baked rigatoni, a meatball, ricotta, and Bolognese sauce, topped with mozzarella. The plate was much larger than a dinner plate and atop the rigatoni was a single gigantic meatball resting on the pasta and sauce. The meatball was almost the size of my knife blade! Rick had the Linguine with Clams sautéed in fresh garlic and olive oil. Our dessert was the other half of last night’s carrot cake. I could feel the pounds growing on me and vowed to be more disciplined the next day!
To be continued
The Boys of Summer – Return to Spring Training – Part 4
Posted by 'lottasports in Baseball, College Basketball, Minor League Baseball, Spring Training on July 30, 2023
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 3rd 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 2nd 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!
The Boys of Summer – Return to Spring Training – Part 3 –
Posted by 'lottasports in Baseball, Spring Training on July 17, 2023
The final days of spring training in Arizona proved to be our favorites. Typical of most vacations, we tried to cram as much as we could in the last two days. By now, we had a routine down and were at the minor league practice fields for the Milwaukee Brewers by 9:30AM to avoid paying for parking. Some of the players were already doing stretches, checking assignments and mingling with fans. I experienced my own adrenalin rush from the sound of the cleats on the pavement between the batting cages and the practice fields. Since we are in our third season with the Carolina Mudcats, the Brewers A affiliate, we knew several of the players by name and even better, they referred to us as “Michele Vassalotti’s US family!”
My first stop was the batting cages where I watched Jace Avina take his swings. I met Jace last season in Kannapolis a couple of weeks after his call-up from the Arizona Complex League. When he took his stance in the batting cage, he emitted confidence with every swing. After he was finished, Jace come over to the door and gave me a quick hug. As I leaned in the doorway of the building, a player was positioned at the door with a sheet in his hand listing the four minor league teams of the Brewers and which field each player was practicing on that day. I was all eyes and ears as each player checked in with him. “I work for the Mudcats. Where do you play?” I asked. He responded, “I’m David Tofu – I’m a coach for Wisconsin.” I laughed. It reminded me of the time when I asked NASCAR driver Timmy Hill what he did with the team.
Adjacent to the batting cage building was a fenced-in area where another coach, Charlie Greene, was operating a machine which threw balls to the catchers. One of the catchers stood from his crouched position and flipped his mask up. It was one of the Mudcats catchers from last season – Jose Sibrian. I waved and he nodded back, then returned to his crouched position. Greene shouted out frequent reminders to the catchers – “Make sure where the Rawlings is!” I continued to watch in awe the flexibility of the catchers as they worked. Catching is truly the hardest defensive position in baseball!
There was more activity on the main walkway as the players started dispersing to the four playing-fields we had access to. Jace’s dad Armando texted me that the family including Jace’s biggest fan, his brother Austin, had arrived and were at one of the fields waiting for Jace’s group to start. For the next couple of hours, I felt like a “Kid-in-a-candy-store” bouncing from field to field watching the minor leaguers vying for positions at different minor league levels which would be assigned by the following week. Every pitch thrown, every at bat taken and every defensive play was being scrutinized by team managers, coaches and development personnel including Bob Miscik and Quinton McCracken.
At noon, we headed walked over to the American Family Fields gate and attended a game between the Brewers and the Padres. It was a gorgeous day for baseball and fans were scattered throughout the grass above the outfield. While I will pass on hot dogs in any ballpark, I could not resist having a brat! And it was awesome! In the 7th inning stretch after singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”, the fans sang “Roll Out the Barrel!” The Brewers won 4 – 2. It was double-header time for us as we headed to Goodyear Park where there was an evening game with the Cincinnati Reds hosting the Seattle Mariners. We had been at so many games there between our February and March visits, GM Bruce Kessman joked about me coming to work there for spring training 2024. As I was mentally calculating costs of a short-term rental and what to do for transportation, I heard a booming “No” in my ear! Rick had no sense of adventure even if it was my fantasy!
The game was brutal for the Cincinnati fans. Seattle scored FIFTEEN runs in the first four innings. We were just about “baseballed-out” for the day so we headed back to Glendale. I called Michele enroute and we planned to meet for dinner. When we got to his hotel, I called him from our car. A sleepy-sounding voice answered. He apologized saying he was really tired and just wanted to go back to sleep. Trying to contain my disappointment, I replied that we understood and we would see him the next day. I hung up and turned to tell Rick about the change in plans. Rick was trying to contain his laughter. Michele was standing outside our car holding his phone to his ear and laughing as he mimicked in his Spanish accent what I said. It was a fun ending to a great day!
The Boys of Summer – Adventures at Spring Training – Arizona Fun in February – Part 2
Posted by 'lottasports in Baseball, Spring Training on April 2, 2023
The following morning Michele posted that his “Nonna” (grandmother on his mother’s side) had passed away. Sadness filled my heart for him since he was thousands of miles away from home and unable to grieve with his family in Venezuela. Rick and I headed out to Surprise where the Kansas City Royals were hosting the Milwaukee Brewers. We had a little time to kill before the game started so we headed over to the practice fields where I was hoping to see Bobby Witt Jr. in batting practice. We were very lucky that we met a guy named Gerald and his dad who were regulars at all the Royals spring training games. They showed us exactly where the KC practice fields were. When we got over there, I still wasn’t seeing any of the players that I wanted to see namely Bobby Witt Jr. so went up to a guy who looked like he knew what was going on. It turned out he really did know – he was J.J. Picollo, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Royals! I introduced myself and did a capsule version of how I knew Witt, Jr’s dad from when I worked the Texas Ranger charters when I was with Delta. JJ didn’t think Bobby Sr. was at spring training yet. About that time, Gerald ran up and said, “Bobby Witt Jr. is taking BP (batting practice) over there!”
As we watched BP, a group of fans congregated at the fence rail near the gate leading out. At one point, I saw JJ talking to Witt, Jr. After Bobby’s group finished, they proceeded along the fence line. The fans only wanted autographs and pictures of one player – Bobby Witt, Jr.! We patiently waited while he progressed towards the gate out where we were. Finally, he got to us and I quickly explained my connection to his dad. “No, my dad won’t be here until next month.” He kind of chuckled because I guess this was new for him having somebody not want his autograph or picture! “Oh well …” I responded with disappointment in my voice. “Could I please get a picture with you anyway?” so then he really laughed.
By now it was almost game time so we headed over to the ballpark. The starters for both teams were to play almost half the game and then be replaced by minor leaguers. We saw some of our former Mudcats in the Brewers dugout. A young lady in sunglasses sat down next to us. I looked over at the very attractive gal. She smiled and said, “Do you remember me?” I laughed and said, “I know you… don’t I?” She laughed and removed the shades. It was Hedbert Perez’s girlfriend who had attended many Mudcats games both home and away. Hedbert batted in the fifth inning. “BAM!!” as the bat connected with the ball. The rocket was launched!!! Homerun!!! As we were standing up cheering and yelling, I turned around to congratulate her and she wasn’t there!! Hedbert crossed the plate all smiles. The Brewers won big over Kansas City 10 to 4!
The Team Italy special fundraiser dinner was at Tomaso’s restaurant in Scottsdale. We had looked into supporting the fundraiser and were going to surprise Michele. Well, the surprise was on us with the price tag to attend – five hundred dollars a plate!! Instead, I reserved a table in the main dining room. We got all dressed up in our nice clothes. It was a beautiful small restaurant and it had been years since I saw tablecloths and linen napkins at an eating establishment! We were sitting there looking over the menu and all of the sudden the whole team Italy started streaming through the main restaurant in a line of blue suits all going to the private dining room. Every once in a while, a person that was eating in the main dining room would get up and take pictures. I had my camera ready and knew the minute Michele came in because he was so tall he towered over most of the team. I slowly positioned to get a picture and he stopped!! “Don’t stop! I don’t want to get you in trouble!” He laughed and proceeded to the back. It was one of the best, if not the best, meals I’ve ever had! I had the five-layer lasagna and a very good salad. For dessert I could not turn down the temptation of the caramel cheesecake. It was amazing! Meanwhile Team Italy players had started to trickle out with some coming out for a breather or to use the restroom. When Michele came out, we were already finished with dessert and they still hadn’t gotten to their main course!! Their dinner was being done by numerous courses and I was thankful I wouldn’t be digesting dinner at 11PM which was 2AM my time!!
The Boys of Summer – Adventures at Spring Training – Arizona Fun in February – Part 1
Posted by 'lottasports in Baseball, Spring Training on April 2, 2023
For true baseball fans, there is no better experience than attending spring training. The atmosphere is somewhat more relaxed than the regular season. Players are reunited with last season’s teammates while others meet new faces on a different team. Spring training is for fans of all ages with some multi-generations making the event an annual affair. This year, the Phoenix area was home not only to Major League Baseball’s Cactus League, but also some of the teams preparing to play in the World Baseball Classic, baseball’s biggest global tournament. It was a no-brainer where this baseball enthusiast wanted to be in February!
As luck would have it, over half the country was having weather issues from snow to tornados and we were trying to fly on standby! The parking situation at the airport should have been another indicator that the trip out there might have issues. After circling seven levels of the parking garage, we found the last parking spot on the rooftop. We just missed getting seats on the Atlanta flight, but were able to get on a flight to Salt Lake City and would be at least at the right end of the country for our final destination, Phoenix. The passenger next me was at the emergency exit and there was no seat in front of him. He ordered two Bloody Marys when the flight attendants came through with the beverage cart. He had just mixed his first one, when he decided to cross his legs. His tray table tilted dumping the Bloody Mary on his pants. His gold jeans had turned into a reddish-gold color and were soaked! The flight attendant quickly offered napkins to stop the mix from going on me and then retrieved galley towels and soda for the cleanup. Thanks to her quick response, I was spared my clothes getting soiled. Our area smelled of Bloody Mary mix for the next four hours!
After four hours of sleep — but who’s counting — we caught a flight down to Phoenix from Salt Lake City the next morning. We left the snow-covered Utah mountains hoping to have sunshine and nice warm temperatures like Arizona is known for. However, when we landed, we discovered that Arizona was having their coldest weather in years! Like a good girl scout, I came prepared with a jacket, thermal vest, wool socks and long johns!
The first part of the day was spent at American Family Fields, home of the Milwaukee Brewers. There was a Split Squad game with half of the Brewers hosting the Oakland A’s and the other half of the team over at the Colorado Rockies. Unfortunately for poor Milwaukee, it was a very one-sided game. Oakland got off to a fast start scoring four runs in the top of the first inning; the Brewers starting pitcher was pulled without making an out. The Milwaukee bats were very silent until the third inning when Luis Urias hit a homerun. By the sixth inning, it was six to one Oakland over Milwaukee with little hope in sight. We decided to head over to the other side of Phoenix to Scottsdale where we knew former Carolina Mudcats Sal Frelick and Michele Vassalotti were working out with Team Italy for the World Baseball Classic.
When we arrived at Notre Dame Prep Academy, we saw a handful of fans watching several players taking batting practice. As we walked towards the practice field, we came upon a security guard near first base. I explained we were there to see a particular player who was a pitcher and he asked if we were family. I laughed and I answered, “Kind of… Michele refers to us as his U.S. family.” He escorted us to a building across the parking lot. Inside were several players in a weight room while trainers monitored their workout. A weight trainer named Simone came over so I explained why we were there. Michele smiled and waved when he saw us quietly observing from the corner of the room. Christian Scafidi, one of the most accomplished pitchers at Penn and a grad transfer to Notre Dame, introduced himself to us. When he told me he was a free agent pitcher, I suggested he contact the Boston Red Sox. “We need all the help we can get!” He laughed and wiped his forehead, then went back to a machine. I was exhausted just watching the different drills and wished my pounds would be affected by just viewing.
When it was time for the team to head back to the hotel, we walked over to the team bus while Michele ran to the field to grab his gear. Outside the bus stood Mike Piazza, manager of Team Italy. Still sporting his infamous mustache, I could picture him in catcher’s gear. I was in awe of being there right next to the Hall of Famer and I think I mumbled something like, “I used to love to watch you catch” and “Congratulations on managing team Italy.” Also with him was Gianmarco Faraone, GM for the Italian Federation. Thankfully before any more exchanges were made, Michele ran up and bound up the bus stairs followed by the two men.
A few hours later, we took Michele and his roommate Ricardo Paolini, also from Venezuela, to dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse. As we got ready to order, Michele helped Ricardo by explaining some of the menu since Ricardo’s English was a little limited. When I ordered the garlic shrimp, Michele looked at me in disbelief and said, “Shrimp in a steakhouse!?! You’re supposed to order steak in a steakhouse!” We all got a good laugh out of that statement. He was right; it was not the best shrimp I’ve ever tasted! After dinner the boys wanted to stop by Target to pick up a few things they needed for a dinner honoring Team Italy the next evening. After three turns in the parking lot, we arrived at Target and headed back to the men’s department where Michele started on a search for a belt. He stopped at the shoes and picked up a pair of black shoes. “Well, I do have white shoes at the hotel.” He set the shoes back down and we went to an end display of belts where he immediately found one which he liked. Meanwhile, Ricardo had wandered off. We called out his name. There was no response. We went up and down the aisles in the men’s section. I thought I saw him so I headed down another aisle. Now I’m following a guy through the store and calling out, “Ricardo… Ricardo” and he’s not turning around. I finally caught up with him and I said, “Ricardo!” and the guy turned around. It wasn’t him and it was then I realized I had lost the rest of the group!! Nothing like getting lost in Target just minutes before closing!
‘Lotta Sports from the Women’s POV – America’s Pastime
Posted by 'lottasports in Baseball, Exclusives, Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country on March 5, 2016
My column appears in the Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country — distributed quarterly throughout the Texas Hill Country.
I love baseball. It actually started back in the 60s in New England. I was raised in a neighborhood consisting primarily of boys my age so I quickly learned what baseball cards were used for. I exceled in a game where you flipped a card against another person and the best combination flip would get to keep both cards. I won some great cards and I kept them in one of my Dad’s cigar boxes … Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Brooks Robinson, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Harmon Killebrew. In the late 60s, we moved to Houston as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Astrodome, finished completion. I became an Astros’ fan and revered legends such as Rusty Staub, Jim Wynn, Joe Morgan, Bob Aspromonte and Larry Dierker.
Fast-forward to the fall of 1986 when I moved to the DFW area and started working the Texas Rangers’ baseball charters for Delta Air Lines. The following spring found me talking hubby Rick into replacing our ski vacation with spring training in Port Charlotte, Florida. Spring training provided a more relaxed atmosphere where you got to meet the players. In late 1988, to the thrill of Ranger fans and to the dismay of Astros fans — especially my Mom — Nolan Ryan signed on with Texas. That man’s arrival created almost as much excitement as winning the lottery. The Rangers’ charters became “prime real estate” on the bid sheet and flight attendants senior to me who didn’t even care about baseball were infiltrating my turf! Nolan was self-conscious with all the attention coming from the media and fans.
The following year, Mom, who was in her late seventies, asked me to take her to spring training. We flew into Sarasota-Bradenton. I got goofed up leaving the airport and after some time found us heading south toward Naples instead of north to Port Charlotte! By the time I got turned around, we had reached the city limits just before nine p.m. The restaurant on the wharf wouldn’t seat us, as they were trying to close. Needless to say, we were now pretty hungry even by central time standards! A good flight attendant (as well as former Brownie/Girl Scout) always has a Plan B to put in place. I knew of a small restaurant that the players frequented and stayed open late. As we perused the menu, Mom excitedly told the waiter how I worked the Rangers’ charters for Delta. He smiled and told us that one of the players was there — Nolan Ryan. I quickly scribbled a note and gave it to the waiter to give Nolan. A few minutes later the waiter returned and said Nolan wanted to meet Mom. He then escorted us back to a banquet room. Mom was finally going to get to meet Nolan Ryan! She was beside herself! There stood Nolan and another gentleman. I introduced Nolan to my mom. He, in turn, introduced us to Craig Reynolds, a former shortstop for the Astros. Mom immediately dropped Nolan’s hand and threw her hands up to her face. “Oh, my! Craig Reynolds! I can’t believe it!”
Now, according to Nolan, Craig never let him forget that moment — a fan getting more excited over Craig than Nolan! Later that year Mom had knee replacement surgery. When she died and I went through her things, I found in her mementos a Get Well card Nolan signed for her. Yep… Mom dumping Nolan for Craig was just a momentary lapse in judgment.
Mom at Rangers Spring Training in Port Charlotte FL – 80’s
Mom posing by Nolan Ryan cutout.
‘Lotta Happenings – Nolan and Mom
Posted by 'lottasports in Baseball, Exclusives, Hill Country Happenings Articles on September 10, 2012
As the baseball season approaches its conclusion I look back on some of my fondest memories. It actually started back in the 60s in New England. I was raised in a neighborhood consisting primarily of boys my age so I quickly learned what baseball cards were used for. I exceled in a game where you flipped a card against another person and the best combination flip would get to keep both cards. I had some great cards and I kept them in one of my Dad’s cigar boxes … Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Brooks Robinson, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Harmon Killebrew. In the late 60s, we moved to Houston as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Astrodome, finished completion. I became an Astros’ fan and revered legends such as Rusty Staub, Jim Wynn, Joe Morgan, Bob Aspromonte and Larry Dierker. Dad and I attended several games and even sat through the longest shutout ever played. The Astros beat the Mets as Houston scored the only run in the twenty-fourth inning at one-thirty in the morning!
Fast-forward to the fall of 1986 when I moved to the DFW area and started working the Texas Rangers’ baseball charters for Delta. Needless to say for this sports nut, it was fun being around players who shared my passion of sports. Rick, my husband of less than a year then, would rather have cooked his latest creation or garden over my watching ESPN. The following spring found me talking Rick into replacing our ski vacation with spring training in Port Charlotte, Florida. Spring training used to provide a more relaxed atmosphere and you would get to meet the players. Rick surprised me and actually enjoyed the experience so much that we returned every year until their move to the Cactus League in Arizona.
In late 1988, to the thrill of Ranger fans and to the dismay of Astros fans — especially my Mom — Nolan Ryan signed on with Texas. That man’s arrival created almost as much excitement as winning the lottery. The Rangers’ charters became “prime real estate” on the bid sheet and flight attendants senior to me who didn’t even care about baseball were infiltrating my turf! Fortunately I flew “In Charge” (a position many avoided) so I was able to keep my foot in the door.
Nolan was embarrassed with all the attention coming from the media and fans. I felt sorry for him, as one night we witnessed a fan interrupting his family meal to ask for an autograph. That same year, Mom, who was in her late seventies, asked me to take her to spring training. We flew into Sarasota-Bradenton. Without Rick with us, I got goofed up leaving the airport and after some time, I discovered we were heading south toward Naples instead of north to Port Charlotte! By the time I got turned around, we had reached the city limits just before nine pm. The restaurant on the wharf that I had bragged about to Mom wouldn’t seat us, as they were trying to close. Needless to say, we were now pretty hungry even by central time standards! A good flight attendant (as well as former Brownie/Girl Scout) always has a Plan B to put in place. There was a small restaurant that the players frequented and stayed open late. As we perused the menu, Mom excitedly told the waiter how I worked the Rangers’ charters for Delta. He smiled and told us that one of the players was there — Nolan Ryan. I quickly scribbled a note and gave it to the waiter to give Nolan. A few minutes later the waiter returned and said Nolan wanted to meet Mom. He then escorted us back to a banquet room. Mom was finally going to get to meet Nolan Ryan! She was beside herself! There stood Nolan and another gentleman. I introduced Nolan to my mom. He, in turn, introduced us to Craig Reynolds, a former shortstop for the Astros. Mom immediately dropped Nolan’s hand and threw her hands up to her face. “Oh, my! Craig Reynolds! I can’t believe it!”
According to Nolan, Craig never let him forget that moment — a fan getting more excited over Craig than Nolan! Later that year Mom had knee replacement surgery. When Mom died and I went through her things I found in her mementos a Get Well card Nolan signed for her. Yep… Mom dumping Nolan was just a momentary lapse in judgment.
'lotta sports 