P’s and C’s

Four special words from yesterday warmed the heart and brought a smile to the face of baseball fans from east to west.

Pitchers and Catchers Report.

With that short phrase, baseball’s spring training begins. Soon, the 2013 MLB season will begin and, once again, fans will return to their favorite ballparks to enjoy the game.

“Batter Up!”

Of note in the South – also known as Braves Country - Atlanta pitchers and catchers were among those who reported to spring training yesterday. Some position players checked in as well. They were to have completed their first workout in Florida today. The rest of the team is due in Thursday, though many players will come before then.

For the Bravos, it was a momentous off-season, starting with the retirement of long-term third baseman and team icon Chipper Jones. He announced his retirement at spring training a year ago and then enjoyed a season-long victory lap around the MLB. Trades and free agent departures and acquisitions have helped transition the roster. Baseball pundits say this Braves team, on paper, is much stronger than the one we followed a year ago.

Of course, nothing was more noteworthy than the acquisition of the Upton brothers – B.J. and Justin – to play center field and left field, respectively, and to anchor the middle of the line-up.

I’ve never been to spring training (maybe someday). One of the exciting things about following spring training via the internet is to learn about all the position battles and roster questions each year. For Atlanta, this year, it would seem the roster is mostly set (with only a couple small decisions to be made).

Also in the spring, fantasy baseball players are getting ready for their upcoming seasons. But, that is a topic for a separate posting at a later time.

As for the MLB and our family, I’m sure we’ll see more than our share of games in person.  Last year, we saw two games on the West Coast and two at Turner Field.

When we’re not traveling, of course, we find the televised games on the various cable channels serves as a comforting and familiar summer soundtrack each year. If you are a Sunday nap enthusiast, the play-by-play with the background crowd noise, is a nice lullaby.

Not that I’ve ever experienced that.

Anyway, whether you are a die-hard fan like me, a person who enjoys the nostalgia of baseball games from yesteryear, or if you are a casual fan, take note. The countdown is on.

Spring training is officially underway; MLB Opening Day is less than two months away.

JG

Originally posted 2/12/2013