Spring Training 2016: Questions/Info/Help/Etc

[dougkoebernick]

For the first time in my long life as a Twins' fan I am going to get to go to spring training (the week of March 7th). I'm looking for people's input who have been there on what to do while there - such as how to watch minor league practices/games, where to go before and after the games, how to best get tickets, and maybe even any good tourist sites in the Ft. Myers area.

 

Any thoughts my fellow Twins fans can provide would be greatly appreciated! 

 

EDIT (diehardtwinsfan):  Putting schedule at top of thread:

 

Halsey Hall and Bob Sacramento- all ST

ChitownTwinsFan - Feb 28-March13

SDBuhr - March 14-23

Loosey - Feb 14-18

Dougkeobernick - March 7-13

Ronal Zimmerman -  March 21-?

Diehardtwinsfan - March 11-13

[stringer bell]

Minor league games are played on the back fields, an easy walk from Hammond Stadium. You can go to the Twins' website for tickets. You can watch minor league action if the big team is on the road.

 

I don't know when the big team starts games, it should be pretty close to March 7. There will be plenty of drills to watch that early in camp. The field adjacent to the stadium is where the big leaguers usually work out--batting practice, fielding drills etc.

 

I have always enjoyed the Twins coaches drilling the minor leaguers. TK led those drills in the past, but I don't think he did last year because of his stroke. Maybe he'll be back in that role next spring.

[stringer bell]

Sanibel Island is a nice place to visit, lots to see and do there. Lots of good places to eat. Lavelle E Neale has posted his favorites in the strib. I don't know if it can still be accessed. My brother and I always make the trip to Ninos for some good Italian food (love the chicken parm).

 

Besides Sanibel, there is Ft. Myers Beach, as well.

[South Dakota Tom]

I've been twice - first time was before the games started, and the day Joe Crede showed up in Ft. Myers.    The second time, a couple of years ago, just got there for a couple games late in the spring training season.    I know LENIII does a pretty comprehensive list of restaurants and things to do in the area for the Strib, so you could check out an archive for last year's tips on that.

 

But in my opinion, going to the practices in the morning early in the pre-season (I know, not responsive to your post or situation) was much better.  Got to stand 5 feet from Tony O, Rodney Cline, Harmon, TK, Molly and all the guys from that strong and optimistic '09 squad.  Cost nothing to sit/stand in nearly-empty bleachers with my wife and meet others who loved the Twins, soak up the sun, and watch PB sessions, hitting sessions, and hear the playful banter of guys playing baseball.  To me, it was the difference between seeing a stadium show for a band and seeing that same band jam for me and a few friends in my basement.

 

Ft. Myers is overrun with Red Sox fans, but everyone is in a good mood, there are a lot of great restaurants.  You can order tickets ahead of time online through multiple sites, but usually isn't difficult to get seats at the ballpark unless they are playing Boston.

 

As far as where to stay, unless you are staying on Ft. Myers Beach, it is easy to get around (but getting on/off the beach itself is a traffic nightmare).   I'm jealous you get to go - nothing says spring like being there.  Me, I'm headed for AZ this year, right at the time that pitchers and catchers report, and will check out several of the stadiums in the Phoenix area.

 

We took a couple of days to go wander through the Everglades, take an air boat gator ride (touristy but kind of a kick to do once in your life), check out the manatees (there are places to see them that don't require an admission ticket, you just have to know where to look), and basically tour the gulf coast.   I recommend the local state parks - just wandering and walking through the flora and fauna is way better than driving past it.   And don't miss Love Boat (a local homemade hard ice cream store well worth finding!).

[James]

I went to spring training for the first time last year.  We stayed in Ft. Myers Beach, which is kind of fun, but the traffic is really bad.  There are really only bridges on either end of the island to get on and off, and the main bridge always seems to be backed up with traffic.  It was a good compromise though as my girlfriend didn't want to only baseball activities.  

 

Ft. Myers Beach is very touristy.  Lots of shops selling little trinkets and things.  Just south of there is Lover's Key State Park, where we did some kayaking, which was fun.  We got to see some manatees up close, which was pretty amazing.   Definitely worth checking out.  

 

We went to two games at Hammond, and just bought the tickets from the Twins website before we got there.  There are kiosks out front where you can pick up the tickets.  We also swung by on our way to the airport to check out some minor league games.  It was free that day because the big league team was playing elsewhere that day.  You can get really up close to watch those games.  At one point, I was going back and for between two games as Buxton was at bat on one field, and Sano was at bat on the next field over.  It was pretty awesome. 

 

The minor leagues games also provide the chance to get some really great pictures:

 

 

 

[diehardtwinsfan]

I might be able to go that week too.  I'll be in Tampa the next week, so I could probably convince my company to fly me down a bit early if I come up with my own lodging and transportation during that time. 

 

As for suggestions, my wife and I honey mooned on Sanibel Island.  Nice quite place to visit (though I'm guessing the spring is a bit busier than the fall is/was).  Most memorable restaurant for me was a place called the Hungry Heron.  It was a small hole in the wall if I remember right. They had a really delicious 3 cheese tortellini. That was 14 years ago, so perhaps my food tastes of changed, but that's the one place I still remember to this day and would probably go to again if I was back in town.

[Squirrel]

There are several on here who have been. I'm actually in Ft. Myers right now as my parents live here, so I've been to ST in some capacity 15 yrs in a row ... 16 coming up ... plus a few other scattered years since 1991. I don't think the minor league ST schedule is yet posted, so I'm not sure when 'official' practices/games start (usually mid-March?), or when the report date is for minor leagueurs, but you can wander down to those fields any time and see who is around. Many arrive early so you'll see something happening even if not in an official capacity. As stringer mentioned above, it's all within walking distance as it's just one big sports complex. Many will get tickets to one of the ML ST games but arrive really early and wander the minor league fields check out what's going on, then head into the game. ST games at Hammond, with the 'big boys' begins Mar. 2. Here is that schedule. Even on an away game, you can still catch people working out. 

 

As for tickets, it depends on what games you want to go to and how particular you are about where to sit. With the recent expansion and renovations of Hammond, I'm not sure what the capacity is but I don't think you'll have any difficulties getting a ticket of some sort, even to the more popular games against the Red Sox and Yankees. But if you want 'the best' seats, and you want actual seats and not standing, get them ahead of time, especially against the Red Sox and the Yankees. (There is no consensus of what 'the best' is, but if you want an idea of the different areas, message me as I've been pretty much all over the stadium. However, it's still just my opinion.) You can buy tickets online or by phone beginning Jan. 9. There are scalpers around, too, and that's another way. An hour before game time they release all the handicap seating they have remaining, too. I've gotten some good seats that way. The larger the party, the more I'd recommend getting tickets ahead of time, but for just one or two, you can probably just buy them that day.

 

The traffic can get heavy in the area that time of year. So, whatever you do, wherever you go, plan on that. Going to games ... go early ... not just to see what's happening on the various practice fields, but parking can and does back up. You used to be able to get into the park by going in the back entrance off Plantation Blvd, but no more ... that is a private entrance now for players on game day. And if you need handicapped parking, get there way early. They have all kinds of shuttles running back and forth from the far reaches of the expanded parking lot to the stadium.

 

As for things to see and do, lots. The Edison estate, Sanibel Island, lots of parks ... lots. As for going over to Sanibel, go early in the day, especially if you want to hit one of the beaches. I recommend the Lighthouse Beach or Bowman's Beach. Either way, drive to the lighthouse anyway. And take a tour through the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, and visit the Shell Museum. Lots of places to eat and shop ... it's always changing, but you can easily spend a day out there. I usually plan my time on Sanibel to go opposite traffic ... get there early and leave sometime after lunch ... or head there around 2-3pm in the afternoon, and leave in the evening after dinner.

 

As for Ft. Myers Beach ... avoid it this year. They are doing some major road work on San Carlos, the main artery over there, and it's going to be WORSE THAN EVER. Even now traffic out that way is backing up for miles. As my mom just said 'It's going to raise Hell for the season.' I don't think it's projected to finish until after the height of season.

 

Wander through and around downtown Ft. Myers historic area. They've really done a lot of rehabbing/restoration to make it a 'destination' stop.

 

Lots of parks nearby. Koreshan is very interesting. Corkscrew is not so far out. Six-mile Cypress Slough is good. Check to see if any have canoe/kayak rentals, that's always fun. There are also lots of boat tours and cruises you can do.

 

Hope this helps! Enjoy!

 

(I'll be down from 28 Feb - 13 Mar)

[Boom Boom]

Get dinner at Michelbob's in Naples.

[tellis205]

Best  way to get tickets is by going on twinsbaseball.com on January 9th when they start selling spring training tickets.  As far as minor league games, I'm not sure they'll be playing any games during that time.  Last year minor league camp officially opened on March 11th and they were playing games 3 days later.  I'm not sure when the official date of minor league camp opens this year.  Maybe someone else can chime in there.  As far as visiting the minor league complex, just drive in and park.  You'll have to pay $10 parking on major league game days.  Their usually out stretching and throwing around 9:30 am. There is 4 different fields that are only feet apart and there are small bleacher's to sit on if you wish.  When they do have minor league games, they practice in the morning, go in and eat, and then come out and play a game in the afternoon.  Before the major league games you can show up real early and watch batting practice on the field next to the stadium.  The players that don't play that day are usually out there hitting.  If you've never been to Hammond Stadium before I would plan on getting there early to walk around and soak up all the sights.  It's alot better now that they've expanded the stadium.  I would plan on driving over to Sanibel Island while there.  They have some public swimming beaches over there along with some sight seeing.  I'd drive down to Ft. Myers Beach and soak up all the sights down there also.  I would even consider driving over to Jet Blue to see that stadium and take a game in with the Red Sox.  Preferably with the Twins that is.  You can check the Ft. Myers Chamber of Commerce sight for more places to visit.  

[Halsey Hall]

As ChiTown stated, Ft Meyers Beach is a place to stay away from this year.  Right now it's over an hour to get on or get off. 

 

One place that you should go is Six Mile Cyprus Slough and it's only a couple miles down the road.  Take a left out of the parking lot and it'll be on your right side, can't miss it.  It's a walking trail through the Slough and you'll probably see things you never saw before, gators, birds, snakes pigs etc, on any given day.  Not to worry, you walk on a boardwalk. 

 

Fantasy camp starts on Jan 6th I believe and I'll miss it.  But I'm going soon, with no where to stay but Walmart lot in my little car!  I'd better find something, and quick!

[dougkoebernick]

 

I've been twice - first time was before the games started, and the day Joe Crede showed up in Ft. Myers.    The second time, a couple of years ago, just got there for a couple games late in the spring training season.    I know LENIII does a pretty comprehensive list of restaurants and things to do in the area for the Strib, so you could check out an archive for last year's tips on that.

 

But in my opinion, going to the practices in the morning early in the pre-season (I know, not responsive to your post or situation) was much better.  Got to stand 5 feet from Tony O, Rodney Cline, Harmon, TK, Molly and all the guys from that strong and optimistic '09 squad.  Cost nothing to sit/stand in nearly-empty bleachers with my wife and meet others who loved the Twins, soak up the sun, and watch PB sessions, hitting sessions, and hear the playful banter of guys playing baseball.  To me, it was the difference between seeing a stadium show for a band and seeing that same band jam for me and a few friends in my basement.

 

Ft. Myers is overrun with Red Sox fans, but everyone is in a good mood, there are a lot of great restaurants.  You can order tickets ahead of time online through multiple sites, but usually isn't difficult to get seats at the ballpark unless they are playing Boston.

 

As far as where to stay, unless you are staying on Ft. Myers Beach, it is easy to get around (but getting on/off the beach itself is a traffic nightmare).   I'm jealous you get to go - nothing says spring like being there.  Me, I'm headed for AZ this year, right at the time that pitchers and catchers report, and will check out several of the stadiums in the Phoenix area.

 

We took a couple of days to go wander through the Everglades, take an air boat gator ride (touristy but kind of a kick to do once in your life), check out the manatees (there are places to see them that don't require an admission ticket, you just have to know where to look), and basically tour the gulf coast.   I recommend the local state parks - just wandering and walking through the flora and fauna is way better than driving past it.   And don't miss Love Boat (a local homemade hard ice cream store well worth finding!).

Thanks - that's exactly what I was looking for!

[dougkoebernick]

Great feedback - thanks everyone!

[goulik]

Keep your eyes open while in the stands. A couple years ago, Terry Ryan was just hanging out in a corner rail area where he could watch a side field and the game both at once. Talked to him for 20 minutes. Also saw Lavelle down there but didn't talk to him. Point is, you never know who might be sitting right there and almost everyone is willing to hang out.

[Otwins]

I just bought tickets for the Twins and Red Sox for Thursday the 10th at Jet Blue. The Red Sox are already selling their tickets. There were not too many left so if you were interested in that go to: 

 

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=bos

 

[Squirrel]

I just bought tickets for the Twins and Red Sox for Thursday the 10th at Jet Blue. The Red Sox are already selling their tickets. There were not too many left so if you were interested in that go to: 

 

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=bos

Jet Blue is a nice park. Getting out of the parking lot after the game? Not so nice.

[Bob Sacamento]

Having lived in Ft. Myers for almost five years and 20 minutes from the park, Spring Training here is a blast.  By far my favorite is watching the minor leaguers on the backfields (it's free) and conversing with players/coaches/scouts/front office personnel.  Tom Kelly still led some drills year (grounders on the short field to the infielders), Rod Carew and Tony Olivo were also present for a duration.  ex-MLB dads Pudge Rodriguez and Tom Gordon were also on hand watching their kids.  MLB players access is much better than regular season but still sparse compared to walking and talking with the minor leaguers from field to field or sitting and watching on the bench.

 

As for staying in Ft. Myers, a good portion of the players who don't have homes in the area stay at the Belle Tower Plaza (BoSox players too) down the street on Daniels/Six Mile Cypress.  Traffic to Hammond gets bad around game time but nothing like the horror of JetBlue Park down the road.  BTW, Twins ST tickets go on sale in a week or so.  JetBlue is nice, carbon copy dimensions of Fenway, not really a bad seat in the house but expensive and have to deal with obnoxious BoSox fans.  Nearly half the fans at Hammond to deal with compared to JetBlue.

 

If anyone has any specific questions, feel free to ask, would love to meet some more TDers 

 

Pictures from Spring Training 2015 as well as GCL/Instructs:

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/102446888@N08/albums

 

 

Get dinner at Michelbob's in Naples.

If you're in Naples and hit Michelbob's BBQ/brisket - hit up my chiropractic office a block away for a free treatment for TD members only

[Squirrel]

If you're in Naples and hit Michelbob's BBQ/brisket - hit up my chiropractic office a block away for a free treatment for TD members only

Do you do acupuncture?

[Bob Sacamento]

 

Do you do acupuncture?

Nope sorry, big fan of it but guy next door does acupuncture and oriental med.

[Loosey]

 

Having lived in Ft. Myers for almost five years and 20 minutes from the park, Spring Training here is a blast.  By far my favorite is watching the minor leaguers on the backfields (it's free) and conversing with players/coaches/scouts/front office personnel.  Tom Kelly still led some drills year (grounders on the short field to the infielders), Rod Carew and Tony Olivo were also present for a duration.  ex-MLB dads Pudge Rodriguez and Tom Gordon were also on hand watching their kids.  MLB players access is much better than regular season but still sparse compared to walking and talking with the minor leaguers from field to field or sitting and watching on the bench.

 

As for staying in Ft. Myers, a good portion of the players who don't have homes in the area stay at the Belle Tower Plaza (BoSox players too) down the street on Daniels/Six Mile Cypress.  Traffic to Hammond gets bad around game time but nothing like the horror of JetBlue Park down the road.  BTW, Twins ST tickets go on sale in a week or so.  JetBlue is nice, carbon copy dimensions of Fenway, not really a bad seat in the house but expensive and have to deal with obnoxious BoSox fans.  Nearly half the fans at Hammond to deal with compared to JetBlue.

 

If anyone has any specific questions, feel free to ask, would love to meet some more TDers 

 

Pictures from Spring Training 2015 as well as GCL/Instructs:

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/102446888@N08/albums

 

 

If you're in Naples and hit Michelbob's BBQ/brisket - hit up my chiropractic office a block away for a free treatment for TD members only

Now I know where to go when I am visiting my parent's in February when my back gets stiff from swinging the golf club far too many times! 

 

They live in the Strand off of Immokalee and 75.  Wish I was down there for Spring Training, but schedule didn't work out that way this year. 

[Thrylos]

A couple years ago I wrote Guides to the Twins' Spring Training, which might answer some of your questions:

 

Three parts:

 

The Baseball

The Food

Logistics

 

Will probably update them for 2016, since a few things have changed from 2013.

 

How to best get tickets?  Unless it is the Red Sox or the Yankees (which you better pre-order in the web),  the best way is the box office.  Lots of nice seats after the renovations, and do not shy away from the outfield seats.  Can be pretty fun. 

 

I've been doing the trip every year for a while.  It is really worthwhile.  Enjoy! 

[Halsey Hall]

A friend of mine that has gone down the last 3 years, who has gotten season tickets the last two, bought them on stubhub 3 years ago and paid around $6 a game.  A lot cheaper that way. 

[Bob Sacamento]

Also try to go to the office by the Player's Complex to get your daily updated player schedule as well as team rosters:

 

 

 

 

 

Now I know where to go when I am visiting my parent's in February when my back gets stiff from swinging the golf club far too many times! 

 

They live in the Strand off of Immokalee and 75.  Wish I was down there for Spring Training, but schedule didn't work out that way this year. 

I know exactly where they're at, my in-laws live by there.  I'll also have my traveling table with me if you want an adjustment at the fields lol.

[Loosey]

 

Also try to go to the office by the Player's Complex to get your daily updated player schedule as well as team rosters:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know exactly where they're at, my in-laws live by there.  I'll also have my traveling table with me if you want an adjustment at the fields lol.

What's the name of your clinic?

[Bob Sacamento]

 

What's the name of your clinic?

Shameless self plug -  Elite Chiropractic -  http://www.elitechiropracticnaples.com

[stringer bell]

I didn't mention it in my first post, but I want to echo that access to players and staff is outstanding. A few years ago, TR was standing between two fields and a group of us peppered him with questions for about 20 minutes. He answered them all quite candidly I thought, and I felt like an insider.

[Bob Sacamento]

 

I didn't mention it in my first post, but I want to echo that access to players and staff is outstanding. A few years ago, TR was standing between two fields and a group of us peppered him with questions for about 20 minutes. He answered them all quite candidly I thought, and I felt like an insider.

Terry is by far the nicest most down to earth GM/front office guy I've met in my years of attending games; he's is very accessible to the fans.  Now if you can get anything out of Deron Johnson or Mike Ratcliffe, whom are both on the backfields and easy to pick out too, then you're an insider.

[ashbury]

The first Twins game in ST is March 2. Do the minor league games on the back fields start around that day, too?

[Squirrel]

The first Twins game in ST is March 2. Do the minor league games on the back fields start around that day, too?

The game on the 2nd is at JetBlue. The backfield games usually don't start until mid-month. I'm not even sure when the MiL report date is and the MiL schedule hasn't been released yet.

[Halsey Hall]

Last year the minor league players reported on the 10th, started playing each other on the 15th, and started playing other organizations on the 18th.

[Squirrel]

I bought tickets to two games so far. Let the excitement build!