This year, my family and I decided to take a spring break trip to Florida for my son’s first birthday, including a day at Disney and a trip to Ft Myers to watch the Twins in Spring Training. Being that I am a huge Twins fan, and its been 15 years since I have gone to ST, it was going to be nice to see the new facility and spend some time watching the team up close and personal.

We knew it was going to be much more access to the team than we could ever think of at a normal game, even more so on a Wednesday morning before the crowds show up for the main slate of games that starts this week. What we didnt know was just how much access we would have and how amazing the players would be to us as they got ready to rock for the 2016 MLB grind.

We got there at about 10, which from what the suggestions we got from veterans was perfect timing. The players would all be out and practicing, and it would only be a few hours before they started to walk inside and we could meet them. The facility is brand new and gorgeous, with some nice practice fields and cages that the players used the whole day. You can literally go up to the chain link fence while they are playing, and talk to them if they are up to it. Overall there were about 100 people there, mostly Twins fans who live in the area, and fans making the trip to participate. It was like being there right along side them as they prep.

Around 10:30, Kyle Gibson and Jose Berrios did some bullpen work, which was awesome to see literally standing next to them. You really dont appreciate how hard they throw the ball until you can feel the ball whip past you as they throw it. Both were very nice, and teased my son about his strong arm when he threw a ball back to them that got away from the catcher. He was pretty proud of that. They were super nice and tossed him a ball when they were heading back to the clubhouse.

Around 11:15, the players started winding down, and signed for everyone as they walked off the practice field. Torii Hunter was there hanging out with the team, and having a good time knowing he was only there for fun for the first time in many many years. He signed for everyone as he was standing around, doing soft tosses for the players who wanted to hit in the cage. He spent some time hanging out with Tony Oliva, who was also there with the team – something very cool to see. Not every day you get two of the teams most recognizable guys hanging out and talking shop.

Brian Dozier was there taking some light hitting, and he made it a point to stop and sign for my son, take pictures and chat for a moment. He is my son’s favorite player, especially now. Literally the most personable guy on the team, making it a point to spend time with the 5-10 kids that were all there. Just amazing.

The guy everyone wanted to see was Joe Mauer, and I was a little surprised how much popularity he still has despite the few down years in a row. He was a superstar at the facility, and everyone there jammed the walkway when he came off the field. I had met Mauer a number of times, but my son said that he HAD to get Joe to sign his ball. Luckily Joe stopped for a second when my son reached out, and made sure he was having a great time.

Overall, if you are a baseball fan, and want to get closer to your team, this is literally heaven. I dont think I have spent time like this so close to a group that is actively training, and not part of an event. To see them make spring training an experience for everyone was literally one of the best experiences we have had.

Plus, the kids go right to sleep on the drive home! That is a true gift.