The End of Spring Training

This week the Boston Red Sox ended their spring training schedule at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers.

The Boston Red Sox' star designated hitter, David Ortiz, is retiring at the end of the upcoming baseball season after 20 years in the major leagues, the last fourteen with the Red Sox.

There was a nice celebration before the game.  One of the streets near the spring training park has been renamed for him.  Ortiz took his usual big swings, but he was held hitless.

The playing field at JetBlue Park is identical to Fenway Park, the Red Sox' home in Boston, 

but there are many fewer seats in the stands and the park is much more contemporary. 

Baseball is fun for fans in part because, on every pitch, and even though some people think it is a slow-paced game, every player is moving and getting into position for what might come next.

There is effort on every pitch, every swing, every hit, every out.

I was deep in the outfield.  The closest player was the right fielder,
Cuban-born Rusney Castillo.
A perfect day.