IT'S TIME TO "PLLLLLLAAAAYYYYYY BALL!" FOR REAL

Spring Training has ended with the close of another March, and Major League Baseball begins a new season tonight.

I haven't had the opportunity to enjoy a spring training game at Lakeland's Joker Marchant Stadium, where the Detroit Tigers prepare for the season, although it is a short distance from my residence. Unfortunately for many baseball fans, games are mostly scheduled in the early afternoon when most of us are working.

When I lived in Winter Haven, I occasionally walked down to Chain Of Lakes Stadium and enjoyed the morning watching the Cleveland Indians practice. It's a wonderful experience with the (usually) great weather, the close proximity of players, and (in most cases) the willingness of players to spend a few moments signing autographs and talking with the fans.

Hall of Famer Bob Feller --- the only man ever to pitch an Opening Day no-hitter --- is almost always seen in a blinding white Indians jersey with the number '14' on the back, and almost always makes himself available to the fans who gather at the end of practice. He is rather unique in that anyone who wants an autograph or a word with him can have it.

I've always enjoyed watching a good baseball game. When I was a teen living in Houston, some friends and I made the occasional trip to watch the Astros play in the Harris County Domed Stadium (official name for the Astrodome and now known as part of the Reliant Park complex). But baseball, IMHO, is to be played in the open air, with balls flying at the whim of the wind with the sun beating down on your face. At least the Tigers' minor league team keeps Joker Marchant Stadium active during the spring and summer; I've got to make the time to enjoy the game more.