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Red Sox Spring Training

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Visit the Red Sox in Fort Myers, Florida

The Red Sox inspires undying fan loyalty. No matter where they go, the Red Sox Nation turns out to see them. Catching just a glimpse of their favorite players is an event. The games are sold out, so getting tickets requires some planning and effort. One way to see the players is to go to Spring Training in Florida.

My husband's a rabid Red Sox fan, so it's surprising that we've been in Florida for five years and this is our first trip to Fort Myers to see the Red Sox Spring Training.

Below I'm including some tips about making the most of a visit to see the Red Sox in Fort Myers.

Contents at a Glance

Tour the Spring Training Stadium
Boston Fans Know Their Team History
Take the Bus
If You Want an Autograph
Red Sox Fans Are Life-Long Fans
Visit the Fan Store for Some New Red Sox...
Look at How Spring Training Has Changed...
Insider Tip
Take the Poll

Tour the Spring Training Stadium

It's a free tour and a new one starts every fifteen minutes.

On the tour, you walk past the batting cages (the day we were there, the minor league players were practicing there). Then you go out to the field. Stay on the gravel, as no one is allowed to walk on the grass. It is special grass brought down from Fenway Park when it got fresh grass. This way the players train on the identical grass which results in fewer injuries.

The tour takes you into the dugout, but not into the locker room. You walk past the administrative offices, down a hallway and into the press room where you can look down on the field and imagine you are a sports writer or a play-by-play commentator.

Boston Fans Know Their Team History

The tour of the Spring Training stadium takes you down some corridors where you see the press boxes. The hallway leading to that area is decorated with old photos of notable Red Sox players. It's fun to see how many you can name. When the group is stumped, the tour guide will give a clue.

Boston Red Sox Baseball 1913 by lc_baseball

Take the Bus

at Spring Training

In front of the stadium in Fort Myers sits a row of buses. For $2, you board the bus for a ride over to the Minor League Complex. From 8:00 to 1:00, the Red Sox train there almost seven days a week. Check that they will be there, because sometimes the players take time off for a charity golf tournament or something else. The buses leave every fifteen minutes. Pick up the list of players at spring training, so you can check the numbers of the player's jersey against the list to see who's who. Of course, you will recognize a lot of the players from seeing them on television.

At the complex (no parking there), you leave the bus and wander around catching the fielding and batting practice on the five fields. It's difficult to take pictures because of the high fences to protect spectators from errant balls. Try to have the camera ready when players walk from one field to another. There are barriers to keep the fans back, but you can snap a photo without the fence in the way.

There are bathrooms, a stand with fan items for sale, and a hot dog stand. It's all outdoors, so come prepared with jackets, sunscreen and hats. Wear comfortable clothing.

If You Want an Autograph

Hang around until the End of Practice

They don't have time during training to stop and sign, so don't make a pest of yourself. Wait until practice is finished and they are more receptive. Have something for them to sign like a photo, a ball, or a souvenir booklet. As they are heading for the bus, many players pause to sign an autograph.

I Love Baseball - Red, White & Blue by justdahl

Sights and Sounds of Spring Training 2/21/10: by WEEIVideo | video info

1 rating | 824 views

curated content from YouTube

Red Sox Fans Are Life-Long Fans

Baby Love Red Sox by Zerotees

Visit the Fan Store for Some New Red Sox Gear

BOSTON BASEBALL by dgpaulart

If your Red Sox sweatshirt is getting a bit scruffy and your Red Sox cap is worn out, stop in the fan store at the Spring Training Complex to get a new one.

Look at How Spring Training Has Changed over the Years

for the Red Sox

I Love Boston hat by sports_tshirts

Do You Have Your Red Sox Calendar Yet?

Your 2011 Red Sox Calendar

2011 Boston Red Sox Calendar

by: Perfect Timing - Turner

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Insider Tip

Our guide told us that even when spring training games are sold out, you can get tickets by going at 8:30 a.m. on game day. Wait in line for any returned tickets. The ticket window opens at 9:00 and they're all gone by 10:00.

Take the Poll

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Ted Williams, a Name Still Honored by Red Sox Fans

Ted's Creamy Root Beer by edwinvon

Red Sox Schedule (Spring Training and Regular Season)

2010

Boston Red Sox | Teams | Spring Training Online: Spring Training Online 2010: Your Complete Guide to Baseball's Spring Training Season!
2010 Red Sox Regular Schedule: Check out the schedule for games near you.

What the Blogs Are Saying about Red Sox Spring Training

Spring countdown: Red Sox spring forward, back: The Daily Pitch will examine a spring training issue every day until major league camps open in earnest beginning Feb. 18. Today: The Boston Red Sox spring outlook. The Boston Red Sox are beginning their 2012 season the way the last one ended.
Bradford Files: Red Sox spring training storylines to watch with Rob Bradford ...: WEEI.com's Rob Bradford and Alex Speier examine some of the key items to watch during Red Sox spring training. There's more uncertainty about the shape of the Red Sox this spring than has been the case in years, resulting in any number of aspects of ...
Red Sox spring training video preview, part 3: Who's at short?: Since 2004, when they traded Nomar Garciaparra en route to winning the World Series, the Red Sox have had a revolving door at shortstop. From Orlando Cabrera to Edgar Renteria to Alex Gonzalez to Julio Lugo to Alex Cora to Nick Green to Jed Lowrie to ...
Red Sox Spring Training Program Toughens Up Under Bobby Valentine: The Boston Red Sox are doing things a little differently in spring training this year. New manager Bobby Valentine has imposed a much stricter workout and practice regimen for his team that the one Terry Francona ran during his time at the helm.