Take me out to the ballgame...

We make it a point to take a spring training ball game while we're here.  The Cactus League is a big draw to this area - you are able to see professional baseball in smaller stadiums around the Phoenix area, and at generally affordable prices.

Steph and Dan dropped us off by the main gate and parked the car.  Security to get into the park is much like at the airport: empty your pockets, go through metal detectors, show inside your hat (and everyone is wearing hats).  The illusion of security.

The ballpark that is near Steph and Dan's house is the spring training home of the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds.  Today, the Indians were playing the Milwaukee Brewers.  Our pick, in honor of Dan's allegiance to all things Wisconsin.  It's a nice ballpark...

We had good seats: 10 rows up from the Brewer's dugout on the side closest to home plate; high enough to see all the action on the field.  I estimated us about 60 feet from home plate.  The only downside of that is the netting to protect the crowd from foul balls... your eyes have no issue with it, but it does show up in photos...

Young Daniel, intently watching the game...

Of course, there was ballpark food... also known as typical junk-food that is grossly overpriced.  The stadium wasn't packed, but it was a good crowd...

I was surprised by the number of people who show up after the game was underway; even more surprised by the number of people who left after the 7th inning.  The game was relatively slow-moving up to the 7th inning: the Indians were leading the Brewers 4 to 2.  A bit more action in the 8th inning, and then in the top of the 9th, the Brewers scored 3 runs.

The real purpose for spring training is to give the different teams the opportunity to try out prospects and get themselves tuned up for the regular season.  There were several players on the Brewers who only had numbers on their jerseys, no names...

It was three of those guys in the "no name" jerseys that led the action in the 9th inning.  Bottom of the 9th, the Brewers held off the Indians, to win the game, 5 to 4.  All those folks who left early missed the best part of the game.

The four of us had a good time at the old ball game.  :-)