Florida Instructional League?

[Copa]

Really glad I took the time to check it out! In total, there were maybe 50 people there, mostly scouts and players not playing in that day's game...it was such a unique experience being able to hear the sounds of the game so clearly (specifically, a player getting chewed out by the first base coach after nearly getting thrown out on a shallow pop out).

From a collecting standpoint, it seemed like this would be an awesome place to go if you're an autograph collector...everyone signed! As for game used stuff, baseballs are very easy to come by, but the players in the stands come and retrieve all foul balls, so that was kind of a bummer...it was about 95 degrees the day I went, and I had dinner plans, so I didn't stay all the way until the end of the game, but given how personable all the players were, I have a feeling that snagging a broken bat wouldn't be that difficult.

The games are free and open to the public, so I highly suggest to anyone living in Florida, or traveling there, catch a game!

[Chris78]

Really glad I took the time to check it out! In total, there were maybe 50 people there, mostly scouts and players not playing in that day's game...it was such a unique experience being able to hear the sounds of the game so clearly (specifically, a player getting chewed out by the first base coach after nearly getting thrown out on a shallow pop out).

From a collecting standpoint, it seemed like this would be an awesome place to go if you're an autograph collector...everyone signed! As for game used stuff, baseballs are very easy to come by, but the players in the stands come and retrieve all foul balls, so that was kind of a bummer...it was about 95 degrees the day I went, and I had dinner plans, so I didn't stay all the way until the end of the game, but given how personable all the players were, I have a feeling that snagging a broken bat wouldn't be that difficult.

The games are free and open to the public, so I highly suggest to anyone living in Florida, or traveling there, catch a game!

Were there any scouts or players that were worth getting from an autograph perspective? By the way, if a ball leaves the stadium, it is possible that you could retrieve it if no one collected it as well. Just sit in an area where you can watch what is going on.

[Copa]

Most of the guys there were between 15-23, so it's tough to say what these guys will become, but from what I understand, it was many of the top young prospects for both teams...I'm a Tigers fan, so I don't know the Phillies or Blue Jays systems very well.

I sat outside the park for about 20 minutes, in hopes of snagging a ball that left the stadium, but didn't see anything come out...I saw a number of people on golf carts driving around, so it could have been staffers picking up foul balls, but I'm not positive...I would think if you were able to find one, it would be all yours!

[DJaeger22]

Most of the guys there were between 15-23, so it's tough to say what these guys will become, but from what I understand, it was many of the top young prospects for both teams...I'm a Tigers fan, so I don't know the Phillies or Blue Jays systems very well.

I sat outside the park for about 20 minutes, in hopes of snagging a ball that left the stadium, but didn't see anything come out...I saw a number of people on golf carts driving around, so it could have been staffers picking up foul balls, but I'm not positive...I would think if you were able to find one, it would be all yours!

A buddy of mine worked for the O's down at their minor league complex this past spring training and part of the job was to patrol the fields and collect any balls they saw. Apparently there has been a few people who would go around and take as many balls as they could and sell them on eBay.

That could explain why the players have to pick up the balls as they come out of play.