The boys are back in town!

Last night Gwen and I made our annual pilgrimage to Jackie Robinson Ballpark to meet the new Daytona Cubs team bus when it arrived for the first time this season.  This has been a ritual for us for the past 10 years or so.  It’s always exciting to see the coaches, returning players and the new ones. 

There was a time when a small crowd would gather for the arrival of the boys of summer, but the last 3 years, it’s been just Gwen and I.  I guess that’s the difference between a fan and a fanatic, we being in the latter category.

My fondest memory of the initial greeting was when we staked out several yard flamingos for Tom Pratt.  Tommy was known for the Tommy Bahamas shirts he wore and he had one in particular that depicted pink flamingos.  Andie, Gwen and I choose the pink flamingo as our logo for the Tom Pratt fan club and it became an inside gag between Tom and us.  I really missed seeing our dear friend get of that bus the last couple of years, but I believe that his spirit was and always will be with our team.

Anyway, there were several familiar faces including Dave Keller, our manager, Mariano Duncan, hitting coach, Pete Fagan, trainer, and some returning players – Austin Kirk, Austin Reed, Dan Voglebach, Tim Saunders, and Bijan Radmacher.  I know I missed a few faces as they made their way into the clubhouse.

While we were waiting for them to come back out, Albert Amora’s mother and girlfriend walked up.  They had just driven up from Miami to bring Albert’s car to him. They were only at the ballpark for a few minutes and then headed out to drive back to Miami.  We were able to spend a couple minutes talking to them and as usual, I was amazed at the lengths the families of the players go to, to help them realize their dreams.  This is one of the reasons I love minor league baseball so much.  We get to know the guys from a different angle then most fans.  We can catch a glimpse of them thru the eyes of those who love them.  It’s a very special experience to be able to form friendships with the families.  I have many long treasured and lasting relationships with parents, grandparents and wives of players.

Well, I’m going to end here.  The next meeting will be at the season ticket holder picnic, where we will be able to see the guys on the field for the first time as they have their first workout at historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark.  If you haven’t guessed, I love my life!!!