Pitchers and Catchers Reporting Symbolizes Much More to Fans - Joe Chacon's Blog

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Pitchers and Catchers Reporting Symbolizes Much More to Fans Stuck

Posted on February 11, 2013 at 02:50 PM.

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As the sun rose up over parts of Florida and Arizona this morning, there was a sense of anticipation and relief.

Anticipation amongst the pitchers and catchers who would be entering their spring training facilities for the first time this year, and relief from fans who could finally sense that the 2013 season was not too far away.

For many baseball fans, today marks the beginning of a new season. It�s a day in which the battery of the team starts to arrive and prepare for a season that will consume their lives for the next eight months.

When it all comes down to it, not a whole lot goes on when the pitchers and catchers report, it�s symbolic meaning to fans is what gives it purpose.

There are so many meaningful images to grab onto when it comes to spring training baseball. It�s an experience unlike the preseason in any other sport. Fifteen teams descend upon Florida to cities such as Sarasota, Fort Myers, Kissimmee, Jupiter, and Clearwater. The other half of the league heads to the sunny skies of Arizona and claims Glendale, Tempe, Phoenix, Peoria, and Scottsdale (among others) as home for the next month-and-a-half.

A few years ago I loaded up the family wagon and we drove out from Southern California to Glendale, Arizona to spend a few days around Camelback Ranch. It was Camelback Ranch�s first year in operation and they are home to both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox spring training.

Just about everyone is in a great mood during spring training. The interaction between the fans and players during the exhibition slate are wonderful. It�s something that one can�t capture the feeling of by watching a spring training game on television.

The small stadiums these major league teams play in is a great opportunity for everyone to see their favorite stars up close. It�s one of those things you go to knowing that it�s probably something you won�t do too often because of the logistics of it (at least for me), but as you see your child running around with a ball and sharpie trying to get the autograph of anybody they can make eye contact with, you know those are images you�ll remember forever.

So, yes, it�s only pitchers and catchers that are reporting today. There isn�t much news to break or analysis to write. What it does signify, however, is that another year filled with memorable moments will soon be coming our way.

Welcome back, Baseball.

OS Voice: What are you most looking forward to this baseball season?

Joe Chacon is a staff writer for Operation Sports.

Comments

# 1 HustlinOwl @ Feb 12

Great piece, as a Reds fan I am excited that they are now in AZ and plan on attending this year with my 9 year old son. After the heartbreak last year Im excited to see Chapman in the rotation and another WS run.