Spring Training Game.....Thanks Steve

Our good friends Steve and Debbie McCormack from Down the Road came to Canyon Vistas to be with us for the month of March. So Steve invited me to join him for a Spring Training game between the SF Giants and TX Rangers last Monday. Steve usually would go to a game with his dad but his dad wasn't able to go due to some health issues. So I was fortunate to have the opportunity.

Steve picked me up Monday morning and we drove over to Surprise, AZ to first see his Dad for a short visit at Happy Trails RV park. We then drove over to the KC Royals/TX Rangers spring training park. These two teams share a facility in Surprise, AZ.

The sign tells you who is playing that day for both teams

After getting parked we headed into the ballpark.

We took a walk around the park and checked out the food and beer booths. This is a special time of year for fans especially for kids because the spring training parks are much smaller so you get closer to the players and the action. There are many opportunities for kids to get autographs, signed balls and maybe even a foul ball.

We had seats behind the SF Giants dugout since Steve is a huge Giants fan. Great seats for sure.

Behind the dugout

Buster Posey - catcher

Some of the main players for both teams were playing but there were a number of players we didn't know since teams will bring in young players from their farm teams to see if they have what it takes to make the big leagues. Buster Posey and Jake Peavey were a couple of the main players for the Giants that played a few innings. Since Steve is a Giants fan we didn't really concentrate on who was playing for the Rangers however there were a couple of players we recognized.

After perusing the food and drink, making our purchases and finding our seats the game started.

Prince Fielder at bat

Jake Peavey pitching

The Giants scored first in the first inning but the Rangers tied it up a couple of innings later. It was back and forth throughout the game until the eighth inning when the Giants went ahead but unfortunately in the bottom of the ninth the Rangers got to the young pitcher and scored the winning run to end the game. There were about 6,000 fans in attendance so it was pretty easy to make our way back home. Something I will be doing again in the future.

Enlarge this panoramic view of the park

What a great time with a great friend. Even though I'm a Cubs fan (I know) I did root for the Giants just for Steve. But come the regular season that ends. :-)  Sorry Steve. It was a perfect day for baseball.

I can't thank you enough Steve for sharing this day with me.