Spring training this weekend and have questions

[akmanak]

I am really wanting autographs and from my understanding you want to show up around 9am to scope out the practice fields, my question is about the opposing teams. Do they use the Twins practice fields ? I am interesting in getting as many autographs as possible in the three days I am there. 

Also, any must see bars or seafood restaurants that I should check out? I have rented a car too, so 20 mile radius is cool .

Thanks!

[Richie the Rally Goat]

On 2/25/2026 at 2:41 PM, akmanak said:

I am really wanting autographs and from my understanding you want to show up around 9am to scope out the practice fields, my question is about the opposing teams. Do they use the Twins practice fields ? I am interesting in getting as many autographs as possible in the three days I am there. 

Also, any must see bars or seafood restaurants that I should check out? I have rented a car too, so 20 mile radius is cool .

Thanks!

Opposing mlb teams do not use the Lee county facilities but many amateur baseball and softball teams do when it’s not Spring Training.

The Island Cow on Sanibel is my favorite place around if it’s still there. The Hurricane really did a number on the bars and restaurants.

Fort Myers area is really spread out (pretty much like the rest of Florida). You spend a lot of time driving.

 

 

[Squirrel]

2 hours ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

The Island Cow on Sanibel is my favorite place around if it’s still there. The Hurricane really did a number on the bars and restaurants.

Island cow actually burned down prior to hurricane Ian. The owners have said they want to rebuild but haven’t seen anything yet 

[Squirrel]

On 2/25/2026 at 2:41 PM, akmanak said:

I am really wanting autographs and from my understanding you want to show up around 9am to scope out the practice fields, my question is about the opposing teams. Do they use the Twins practice fields ? I am interesting in getting as many autographs as possible in the three days I am there. 

Also, any must see bars or seafood restaurants that I should check out? I have rented a car too, so 20 mile radius is cool .

Thanks!

Opposing teams don’t use the back fields. Your best bet is to get to the game as soon as doors open and try to get autographs of players as they are warming up on field. But note that the best players usually don’t travel so you may be disappointed trying to get opposing team autographs. Your best bet is to go to their stadiums. Boston is nearby, of course, Tampa Rays have ST just up the road, and the Orioles in Sarasota.

seafood restaurants … lots to choose from depending on what you are looking for. Dixie Fish (on Ft Myers Beach), Prawnbrokers, Salty Papa’s, Shrimp Shack, Timbers (on Sanibel) are some I’ve been to and like.