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February 24, 2007
Dodgers: Fans arrive early
Routinely, there are a half-dozen autograph seekers already hanging around the Dodgertown batting cages when your faithful correspondent arrives in the morning, usually a little before 8. The crowd will pick up a little in the next hour, and there will be 50 or so waiting on the back fields when the players come out at 9:15. Dodgertown allows fans to get closer to the players than any other spring training facility I know of. As the players get into the workout, the crowd will gradually increase, to the point there might be close to 500 onlookers by the time the workout concludes at noon. When the players leave the field, most of the crowd leaves, too, although a few stragglers (maybe 25-30) walk back over to the main building in hopes of snagging a few more autographs before they leave. As you have read here before, I'm looking forward to the anticipated move to Glendale, Ariz., in 2009, as is just about everyone I have talked to this spring. But the impending demise of Dodgertown (Orioletown just doesn't have the same ring to it, does it?) brings mixed emotions to anyone who has ever been here and experienced just what a special place it is.
Posted by Tony Jackson at February 24, 2007 05:12 AM
Comments
Apparently, Dodgertown will not become Orioletown. The Orioles have reportedly signed a new deal with Fort Lauderdale to remain at that facility.
Posted by: BeachBum at February 24, 2007 06:47 AM