Having the Phillies in town this week sparked lots of great memories. There are few things that feel better than crushing a 90 mph fastball or throwing a runner out at the plate from the outfield , but the majority of things I miss the most didn't happen between the lines. One of the greatest things about playing baseball are the people around the game.
Teammates
You will find some of the most colorful personalities inside the clubhouse of a baseball team. Mix tons of diversity, long road trips, spring training, parties, gym time, meals,W's, L's and a bunch of athletes and you have unforgettable memories, lots of laughs and hopefully not too much trouble. Nice to see many of these great guys starting to join Facebook.
Fans
The loyal fan is such an integral part of the game. Every team in every stadium has a set of loyal fans that become part of the season's experience. They arrive early, stay late and somehow sit through those long rain delays. These fans make the team an integral part of their life and add lots of support through the ups and downs of the season.
Clubhouse
Inside the home/visiting clubhouses in every park, there is a staff of "clubbies" that have seen thousands of players come and go. Clubbies are there to make your experience comfortable with food, supplies, hook-ups and anything you could possible need. I'll never forget Pauly or Harry from Clearwater in their Philly accent saying 100 times a day, "you good..you good?" Clubbies also help keep players in line. I remember one guy who deservingly so, showed up at the yard with his clothes in an ice block hanging on the flag pole.
Around The Yard
The broadcasters, beat writers, front office "suits," ticket sellers, pr/marketing, community outreach, groundskeepers, ushers, and vendors are the people you work with every day. All share a love of the game and help the wheels go around.
Many of the fun stories on and off the field will be remembered for ever. Too bad blogs weren't created yet.
(David played Outfield from 1991-1996 w/the Philadelphia Phillies organization, 1997 in Taiwan and 1998 in the Northern League in Madison.)
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