Mike, me and Dave at JetBlue Park
My old softball buddies from Massachusetts, Mike and Dave, once more came to Florida for Red Sox spring training. As has become our custom, we each hosted one game. The schedule this year:
- Mike – Phillies vs Red Sox, Thu Feb 27
- Me – Red Sox vs Twins, Fri Feb 28
- Dave – Atlanta vs Red Sox, Sun Mar 1
Two games at JetBlue Park, the Red Sox home field, and one at CenturyLink Park, the Twins home field.
The weather didn’t exactly cooperate. Last year we got to just two games as one was rained out. This year we got to all 3 games, but it was very cold – especially for the first game. The temperature for that game was low 60’s with a strong breeze. It wasn’t just chilly; it was COLD. The stands were empty by the 9th inning, a combination of the cold and the Red Sox playing so poorly. Final score: a 12-5 loss.
JD hitting a triple
JD in the dugout, right in front of us
The game at CenturyLink was a bit warmer, about 68 degrees, and we sat in the sun. The Red Sox pitching was better, but the hitting wasn’t (except for JD Martinez who hit a triple and a home run), so they lost that one, too, 4-1. The seats were great, though – right behind the Red Sox dugout. And in the sun.
The third game’s weather was just slightly cooler than normal, about 72 degrees. Apparently the Red Sox pitching liked the warmth and they ended up winning this one 4-2. It should have been 4-0 but the excellent pitching melted down in the 9th, giving up 2 walks, 2 hit batters and a single. The game ended with the tying run on second base. Our seats for this game were right down the right field line – an interesting perspective on the game. We were kind of hoping to get a foul ball, but no such luck. Perhaps we should be careful what we wish for because the foul ball that came closest hit a woman on the arm. EMTs escorted her away, probably for X-rays.
Our view from right field at JetBlue