Wednesday, March 30, 2016

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.

12 comments:

Luis Gomez said...

Fun shots Jack.

Kate said...

Looks like it was a beautiful day. Wonderful photos to mark the occasion and what fun it must have been for you to be there. You should add the post to the Wednesday "sign, signs" meme. Usually runs a little late, but eventually you can post for this date.

Andy said...

It is amazing how the fans get attached to their favourites.

Mo said...

I dont understand the game but they are great sporting pics

Tanya Breese said...

i love going to baseball games! great shots!

joo said...

I don't understand what's going on in that game, but the photos are great!

Sharon said...

I guess spring training is wrapping up this week. I didn't go to any of the games this year.

William Kendall said...

Quite a career he's had.

Stefan Jansson said...

Some good snaps here Jack.

RedPat said...

I love baseball! Just the thought of spring training beginning means spring is on the way! I think our Blue Jays are heading up to Montreal to play a couple of exhibition games against the Sox this week. Great pics, Jack!

LOLfromPasa said...

Oh how I do miss baseball. It's football, rugby and cricket here :).

Kay said...

Great panoramas of baseball action. Nice shots!