Friday April 15th - Practice Day

Today's activities started by taking a trip to Clearwater Beach.  They are celebrating the Sugar Sand Festival.  Many cool activities, like sand sculptures, great food, and family activities.  The large shark & inflatable slide were other attractions.  Pier 60 was nice, the Pelicans were everywhere. The day is overcast as shown in the photo of the beach.  The "bird of paradise" was a surprise.  My greatest mentor, Don Wilde, loved the flower.  It made me think of the fond memories I had of him and the lessons I still use today, that were taught so many years ago.

We ate late breakfast at the Tap House, where Nick, Adam, & I enjoyed some appetizers last year.  Place is still the same.

Had to leave by noon, in order to meet the team back at the hotel.  We are leaving as a group for out practice session at the Himes Development Center.  As we arrived, Pirates rookie teams were playing the Yankees.  They won both games, but the highlight was seeing Edgar Varela, manager of the Bristol VA rookie team. He was our first base at the 2014 Fantasy Camp.  Looks great, seems to be enjoying the coaching life.  I reminded him of his offer to shag fly balls prior to a Bristol Pirates game.  The offer still stands - perhaps later this summer.

The team came together well today. The (4) new additions to the line-up hit well during BP and fielded well during infield & outfield drills.  So looking forward to the opening game & comments tomorrow morning - will be tough to sleep.  Thomas Brooks, David Miller, and myself will be meeting at 6:25 am - to get some BP in prior to the 7:30 am clubhouse meeting.



Getting our game faces on - for our scoreboard photos.



Team practice - Let's Go Bucs



After practice, return to the hotel, get ready for our Team Dinner at the Columbia in Yorba City.  Photos of the motley Pirate Team, led by Mike LaValliere "Spanky".  Some of the signs in front of the Columbia - very historical venue, opened in 1905.  Joe D & Marilyn Monroe used to eat here, for those who might care...



Happy Jackie Robinson Day, 42 was the man for so many who followed.