A Scout's View Of The Arizona Fall League
One of the best-kept secrets in baseball. Well, we know about it, but most people don't.
about 1 month ago
Al
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Seriously. You want to hear what swear words young players like to use? You want to hear what the umpires and managers say to each other during an argument? Come to an AFL game.
This sounds like some serious fun. I dunno about the weather in Arizona in October/November, but this is a good deal. Then again, spring training is a GREAT deal, too, so it’s a win-win in my eyes. I would absolutely love to watch prospects play two games a day for free or near-free and be able to sit anywhere I want.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Oct 20, 2009 5:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Weather in Arizona...
… this time of year is similar to spring training … 80’s & 90’s most days, no rain.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Oct 20, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love it...
Still planning to go down the week of the championships. Anyone have an idea if games are any better attended in that last week?
by Damen Jackson on Oct 20, 2009 5:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The attendance at...
… last year’s championship game was 1,881.
So basically, you’d still have the run of the place.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Oct 20, 2009 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's hard not too like it...
A long weekend trip down there out of Chicago costs nothing too.
by Damen Jackson on Oct 20, 2009 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
At this time of year, correct.
I went to an AFL game last year. Attendance was about 400. Beautiful weather, got to see Tommy Hanson pitch (he was dominant), and you can’t beat the cost ($6).
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Oct 20, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's cheaper than a ticket to a Lugnuts game Al.
Tickets run $7-$17.50 at Olds Park.
But you do get “Thirsty Thursday” night where beers are only $2.
And “Big Lug”. http://www.lansinglugnuts.com/community/biglug.html
"Pain don't hurt you none" - Sparky Anderson (1987)
Obviously Sparky was never a Cubs fan...
by Zeke on Oct 21, 2009 6:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since attendance is so low at these games, anyone know if they close off the outfield lawn seating?
some parks in Fla will do this when they expect low turnout. I guess it saves them money by not having to staff those areas with vendors, workers, etc.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Oct 20, 2009 9:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I believe they do.
I think the berm was closed at Mesa for the game I went to last year.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Oct 21, 2009 7:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If I lived in Arizona (and were retired), I'd be at these games daily
Here’s a part of the article that caught my eye:
The AFL began in 1992 and in it has produced more than 1,700 Major Leaguers, including 141 All-Stars—38 in 2009 alone. Six MLB most valuable players are AFL alumni: Jason Giambi, Ryan Howard, Justin Morneau, Dustin Pedroia, Albert Pujols and Jimmy Rollins. Three Cy Young winners played in the AFL: Chris Carpenter, Roy Halladay and Brandon Webb. In several cases it has been the coming-out-party for future stars, like Ryan Braun and Troy Tulowitzki a couple of years ago, and Tommy Hanson last year. There have been 18 MLB rookies-of-the-year who played in the AFL.
Wow. That’s quite a testament to the quality of ball being seen by only a handful of people. I’d love to be in the stands…
Maybe this is a better idea than going to Spring Training.
"Pain don't hurt you none" - Sparky Anderson (1987)
Obviously Sparky was never a Cubs fan...
by Zeke on Oct 21, 2009 6:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The article
did a pretty good job of outlining all the advantages of the AFL over Spring Training, but one factor that I don’t believe was mentioned in that hotel rooms in the Phoenix area are MUCH less expensive this time of year than they are in the Spring.
by azjazzman on Oct 21, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And yet another good reason...
"Pain don't hurt you none" - Sparky Anderson (1987)
Obviously Sparky was never a Cubs fan...
by Zeke on Oct 21, 2009 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like a good time.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Oct 21, 2009 8:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
















