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Spring Training Question

I am going to spring training this year for the first time. I am bringing my 11 year old brother and I have a few questions.

Should I buy tickets before heading down or can I wait without fear that the game will sell out?

What is the best way or place to get an autograph? We have a Jeff Samardzija jersey that we would love to get signed by him.

What is the best place to sit in the stadium? I have read previous posts that the outfield lawn is where you get the true spring training experience but are they good seats as well?

 

I would greatly appreciate any help or suggestions.

 

Thank you

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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I'm glad you posted this.

Check the website for available tickets. I think there are still quite a few games not sold out. I personally have some available lawn tickets, email me for details. The lawn is fun and cheap ($7), though you will be farther from the action.

Autographs are more available during ST than other times, because players are more relaxed. Try after the game, before the players leave.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 18, 2009 7:23 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

A little OT

Al, how do you email someone on this blog? I’ve been wanting to get in contact with someone and can’t find anything in the FAQ on how to email them. Thanks!

I attended ST last year for the first time, and we had purchased all our tickets beforehand. It made things a lot easier, and allows you more flexibility when you get to the park because you don’t have to stand in the ticket line first to get tickets. We saw the cubs at HoHoKam, the angels Facility, the Mariners, and one other, but I don’t remember. Great experience, can’t wait to go again

by nmcubsfan on Feb 20, 2009 2:12 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Some people put their email on their public profile.

Others don’t. If you want to contact someone specifically, you can post a request here or email me and I’ll see what I can do.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 20, 2009 9:01 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Samardzija is a nice guy

he is a member at the country club i worked at n gave me a hat the first time he came in to golf, so im sure if you catch him he wont deny signing something.

"You must try to generate happiness within yourself. If you aren't happy in one place, chances are you won't be happy anyplace."

by All The Way on Feb 18, 2009 8:09 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

I've been to ST three times.

You can usually buy tickets easily at the game. I would recommend checking out each venue in a different location: seats, outfield, etc. Outfield is fun cuz you can bring a blanket, hang out behind the pitchers, etc. I go out of my way to talk to fans that look to be long-time fans…and I always have had interesting conversations.

I really enjoy ST because it’s much more of a relaxed atmosphere with families and true hardcore fans alike. My best recommendation would be to chat it up with other Cubs’ fans; I have found some great characters at ST.

Finally, if you go to HoHoKam early enough, try to sit in the top row right behind the WGN booth. The windows are opened and two years ago my father and I had a few moments with Ron Santo, shook his hand, got autographs, and even a few pictures with him. My favorite ST memory.

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Feb 18, 2009 8:54 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

You can get autographs...

during BP. Gates open 2 hours before game time, 1st base side.

Keep an eye on a player you are looking for. When they get pulled from the game, they can often be seen jogging on the warning track. If you go to the RF corner wall, players will often sign (Note: needs to be something that can be dropped down to them, and they can throw back at you, you will be standing 6 feet over their head.

Also on the RF area, there is a gate that the players will exit after BP to go get in some extra work in. Fans can catch players here for a few autographs as well.

And lastly, (if you have not scored Jeff’s autograph by now) players exit after a game from the locker area under the the Grandstand seating 1st base side of the ballpark.

They walk from there to the player parking area. Some players have been known to stop and sign there as they walk to their cars.

In general you can get 3 or 4 times as many autographs as you can get at one game at Wrigley.

Get a numerical roster card when you come in. Helps identify all the AA, AAA guys there.

Good luck with the Shark.

Good Guys Wear Blue

by Cubskingdom on Feb 18, 2009 9:16 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

A) I would highly recommend purchasing tickets beforehand.

B) Left field lawn beneath the scoreboard are the best ‘seats’ in the place. Everyone else knows this as well, so plan on getting there before they open up the gates from batting practice. Bring a blanket and sprint for your spot. Don’t sit too close to the fence otherwise you’ll have people walking in front of you all day and have to watch through chainlink. 15 feet up on the ’burm is about perfect.

C) Keep your brother away from the leather-skinned skanks who own the backrow closest to the scoreboard.

D) I’m just kidding about that. But they’re as much a fixture at Ho Ho Kam as woo-woo….

E) Have fun….

WOXY.com - The Future of Rock and Roll

by Gibbon Jockey on Feb 18, 2009 9:31 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Actually, that "leather-skinned skank" is named Wanda....

… she happens to be a friend of mine, and her husband Roger is one of the beer vendors.

I sit with that group. So, maybe you should be a little more careful before you judge people. Just sayin’.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 18, 2009 10:00 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

im confused as to how u know hes talking about this specific woman?

"You must try to generate happiness within yourself. If you aren't happy in one place, chances are you won't be happy anyplace."

by All The Way on Feb 18, 2009 10:19 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Because there can be only one individual who meets that description.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 18, 2009 10:42 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I've sat there for years

good group, friendly. Like their sun….yes. Like their cubs too.

This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).

by mrcubsfan on Feb 19, 2009 8:20 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks for posting your comment, Al

Everyone that sits/stands under the scoreboard are nice, friendly people that never say anything bad about anyone and enjoy the sun and camaraderie of friends and fellow Cub fans. They have welcomed me into that area and they are the nicest people in the world.

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Feb 19, 2009 4:14 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I said I was just kidding...

I’m stupidest when I try to be funny.

I’ve talked to them too and they are quite nice.

WOXY.com - The Future of Rock and Roll

by Gibbon Jockey on Feb 19, 2009 9:01 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Noted.

Thanks for clarifying.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 19, 2009 9:29 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Now that that's all settled...

…I just want you all to know that the term “leather-skinned skanks” is going to be running through my head for the rest of the day.

"You've got to earn winning your division. We won more games than anybody in the National League last year, and we're going to have a target on our back, so we've got to be ready.'' - Lou Piniella, 2/17/09

by dat cubfan daver on Feb 19, 2009 2:20 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

LMAO

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 19, 2009 4:08 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

You mean like this?

"I've got an idea...an idea so smart my head would explode if I even began to know what I was talking about." ~Peter Griffin

by Goodie1969 on Feb 19, 2009 6:42 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Fits the above definition above to a "T".

Especially since she pulled that stunt in that African nation a few years ago.

Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.

by blackhawk24 on Feb 19, 2009 9:03 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

when are you going

I have a few extras for the sold out games at the very end of Spring Training. In general try to buy before you get there.

"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux

by Doggie Stalker on Feb 18, 2009 10:28 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

March 22

I’ll be there for the March 22 game vs the Mariners. Do you have any extras for that game?

by RJR on Feb 19, 2009 7:20 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Sorry no

A few left on Cubs web site though.

"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux

by Doggie Stalker on Feb 19, 2009 9:44 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Go to Fitch Park

During the first half of the day, I highly recommend going to Fitch Park, which is just down the street from HoHo Kam. The minor leaguers work out there in the mornings and it’s really up close and casual. Not hard to get the outfielders to toss you some baseballs, and autographs are a breeze. Some of the minor league coaches you will encounter include Ryno, Jody Davis, Bob Dernier, etc., etc.

by NashCub on Feb 19, 2009 7:00 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

Usually, starting around 10 am every day until games start.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Feb 19, 2009 1:41 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Samardjia

He’s a good ole’ ND boy, so you should have a good shot at getting his signiture lol.

That's shitastic!

by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Feb 19, 2009 1:29 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE.....

Well since it will be a big event for your brother buy the tickets first…….This way you will at least know you have admission ….The lawn is a great place to take it all in…..You may even see Wrigley regulars out there ….( Woo-Woo, Scott Derringer ect ) Hope you have a great time …….

by cubs north on Feb 19, 2009 8:32 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

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