Jhyerczyk

I'm a Fort Myers resident who works for the Twins during spring training. I work in the third base store. The Spring Training complex is nearly all-access so you can walk all over the outside facility to watch drills and some batting practice. Most of the activity takes place early in the day since it gets hot down here. I suggest you become familiar with names and faces of the players, especially the former players who have been invited as special instructors. Some wear uniforms with their names, some do not and they'll walk past you if you're not paying attention. Rod Carew and Tony Oliva are the most popular. The list of players coming down just came out on February 3. You can watch outside batting practice at any of the outside fields. You can also stand by fences to watch batting cage work. In previous years, you can make a donation to charity and go on the field for game day batting practice. February 17 is the open house. I understand they are going to have batting practice on the main field this year. You can come to the complex any day. it doesn't have to be game day. There are always players around. Also watch the schedule for split-squad games so you won't be disappointed when your favorite players isn't there. The good thing about our location is that you are also close to other teams (less than 2 hours). So you can go on the road to see the Twins in Port Charlotte against the Tampa Rays, for example. So if you can't get home game tickets, you may want to consider taking a road trip too. Also and this is very important. if you're an autograph hound, make sure you have baseball cards and baseballs to sign. Carry them with you at all times since you never know who will be signing. Players just walk up to the fans in the stands and start signing. There are no tables set up. Make sure you have plenty of good quality Blue or Black Ball Point Pens for baseballs. Blue is the best. DO NOT GET BASEBALLS SIGNED WITH A SHARPIE PEN. For photos, baseball cards, bats, helmets and jerseys - Use Black or Silver Fine or ultra-fine Sharpies. Carry a few with you because you'll want to have sharp tips. Also keep in touch with social media and Twins websites for key information. Things change every year so you'll want to check things out on a daily basis. Additionally, ask around to get Spring Training Rosters so you'll know the numbers of players especially the Non-Roster Invitees like Royce Lewis or Alex Krilloff. Don't forget to stop by the Third Base Store. I primarily sell the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels stuff but will have some Twins stuff too. Also, in previous years, the Players' Wives sold cookbooks and autographed memorabilia for charity. Make sure you stop by their table.