A Surreal Spring

I have returned from my 13th spring training… being there once again for the first week when pitchers and catchers report… then position players.

It takes me back to my first year, 1997, when I had no idea what to expect and being so surprised. People had said to me how spring training was so wonderful. The best time of the year when everything was new and fresh, when the players came out of hibernation. Dan Roper, my creative photographer and editor, and I showed up early that first day at camp. The complex was nice, but very quiet. I thought, “what’s the big deal, where is everyone?” I was not impressed. But then, as I stood on the grassy knoll by the field near the players’ locker room, it happened. The guys started coming out of the building, down the steps and out to the field. I could literally feel and hear baseball in the air. I got it. I fell in love with baseball.

This spring training was not as dramatic for me. It’s true, you get used to certain things over time and the rush is not the same. But, I do think I enjoyed it for a different reason. It felt like my spring “home.” It felt fresh this year seeing so many new faces among the few familiar ones. There’s that adrenalin knowing I’d meet new people and the calm of knowing what I was doing.

The hours are a bit crazy. Dan and I worked daily to provide two interviews and/or stories a day for Postgame. It was gratifying to know that Channel 4 San Diego – the only station there for at least 10 days – is still so committed to covering our team and to good story telling. After our work day, we had several work afternoon and evenings, gathering elements and interviews for my 13th season of One on One. More on that later… but for now, I thought I’d dip into my archives and share with you the very first script I wrote for my Channel 4 Padres coverage… a story I called the Sights and Sounds of Spring. Some of the people aren’t here anymore. And the video is in another vault. But, if you’re a baseball fan… you can imagine. It’s also one of my mother’s favorite pieces. So for her and all of you who love spring…and are optimistic about the possibilities… Enjoy.

Sights and Sounds of Spring: March 1997

The peaceful quiet of sunrise... it could be any day.
But this day... the quiet is the prelude to a symphony of spring...
a melody of memories... baseball... starting... all over again.

Tim Flannery:
The first day of Spring Training is all about hope

The blackbirds sing on the sidelines... a signal that the fields of dreams are awakening... are manicured, plush and ready for play.
In baseball... “Pitchers... and Catchers report” rings poetic...a reassurance to the boys of summer that their winter’s hibernation is over.

Trevor Hoffman:
I’m a baseball fan, so I’m happy as heck to get out on the field and throw that little white ball around and catch it…

The crack of the bat. The pop of the glove... first softly... then harder... a crescendo that makes your heart skip a beat.

Rob Picciolo:
This is my 23rd spring. You still get excited to put on the uniform and meet the guys.
Trevor Hoffman:
It’s a long off season and you can’t wait to get out.

The high-fives and hellos of a roster of old friends and new prospects
are the lyrics the language of baseball... that returns in February.

Tim Flannery:
I don’t look at my guitar players and say hum, baby!

With the vibration of the first workout runs...
and the stacatto of sprints… that melody of memories of the last season… begins to play.

Kevin Towers:
Not just Cammy. All of them… Finely… Gwynn…

Tim Flannery:
It just seems we were here last week. You remember what it was like winning the division… and what it was like to have someone beat you in the play offs.

Rob Picciolo:
Everyone’s good, but there’s a lot of competition as we get into it.

Gradually... the sound of cleats and catchers gear... hats and hardballs... is muted ... as the fans flock... and the players and team talk... about the business at hand.
And numbers start counting... and box scores start mounting... and the pressures and focus shift the intensity to playing and winning and sometimes losing.
And throughout the year... no matter what comes... think back to this moment...
when the cracks of bats... and the pop of the glove... are crisp and clear.
Think back to when the blackbird sings... as a prelude to a symphony of spring... and know that baseball will start... all over again.