Last week, I had the chance to go back to Arizona for some Spring Training games.  Last year was my first time attending and I had a blast.  I couldn’t wait to go back and see some of my favorite players on the field again. 

Mom took my little sis Stacy out to North Carolina to visit my aunt Kathy and my cousins Robert and Marissa.  Dad, Grancie and Pap flew with me out to Phoenix to catch a few games. 

Our day started early on Saturday morning.  We were staying in Scottsdale and just cruised around to check out the town.  We came across an antique car show.  If you know me, then you know that besides baseball, I also love cars.  I always travel with a few matchbox cars, I’ve got car posters in my room and even have car slippers that I wear all the time.  I got really excited when we found this car show. 

It was the perfect way to start my trip.

After spending some time peeking into all of the fancy cars on display, it was time to head over to the game.  Dad got tickets for our first game to see the Milwaukee Brewers vs. San Francisco Giants.  We saw the Brewers at their home field in Maryvale last year and liked it so much, we decided to go back again this year. 

This was their Opening Day!

Dad got great seats.  We were front row over the Giants dugout.  I learned how to use crayons during the offseason and thought I’d try to fill out the scorecard. 

The Brewers picked up pitcher Randy Wolf from the Dodgers in the offseason.  He looked pretty sharp and threw two scoreless innings.

I love watching Ryan Braun at bat.  He hit a home run in the 5th inning. 

Dad got a ball signed for me by Ryan when he was making his way back to the clubhouse!
Before too long, it was time for the infamous Sausage Race!  This is always a highlight at a Brewers game. 

These guys are fast, funny and make me hungry.  Yummy yummy!

Corey Hart hit a foul ball that was tossed up towards my seat by the third base coach.  Grancie was quick enough to snag it for me. 
The Brewers kept pouring it on and went on to win 12 – 1.  I got in my car seat and fell asleep before we even got out of the parking lot.  Dad took a pic of me with my game ball. 
I got my nap and decided to hang out back at the hotel and order a pizza.  We ended up getting the biggest pizza I’ve ever laid eyes on.  It’s a good thing we had it delivered, because I don’t think it would have fit in the trunk of our car.  I mean just look at this thing!  

This was the large size.  They had an even bigger one on the menu! 

Soon enough, it was time for bed.  I had plenty of room to spread out and sleep like a king.  I like baseball so much, that sometimes I sleep with my ball cap on. 
The next day was dreary and rainy.  I went shopping with Grancie and Pap, while Dad took a walk to see Scottsdale Stadium.  Scottsdale is home to the San Francisco Giants.  When Dad got to the stadium, he heard that all of the games around Phoenix had been cancelled due to the bad weather.  He also saw some of the players heading home for the day.  Dad decided to stick around for a little while to see if he could grab a few autographs.  He managed to get some baseballs signed for our collection. 

When he got back, he told me the players were really nice and he was really excited to have met Tim Lincecum.  Here’s a picture of Tim signing autographs from his Mercedes. 

We both like Tim a whole lot and are excited to have his autograph in our collection.  Maybe he’ll win another Cy Young award this year. 

The weather cleared out on Monday and we had time to catch one more game before heading home.  We drove out to Goodyear Ballpark to see the Kansas City Royals vs. Cincinnati Reds. 

Here’s Pap and I waiting to get inside.  Like my new hat? 

We had great seats again.  Front row!  I’m getting spoiled with these great seats. 

Bronson Arroyo started on the hill for the Reds. 

Reds first baseman Joey Votto taking a big swing. 

Aroldis Chapman made his debut at this game.  He recently defected from Cuba to come play baseball in the big leagues. 

He went two innings and struck out three batters.  He also got the “W” for the team.  A nice way to start your MLB career if you ask me.   

Don’t bother me Dad, I’m trying to watch the game!
 

In the 7th inning, we took a walk all the way around the ballpark.  Here are some shots from the bullpen and the outfield. 


The stadium opened last season for the Cleveland Indians and the Reds made the move from Florida this year to share it with them.  It’s a great place to see a game. 

Before long, it was time to head back to the airport and catch a flight back home to Colorado.  But not before grabbing a burger and some fries from In-N-Out.  I’m no expert, but this could be the best burger I’ve ever tasted!
What a great trip.  I only wish I could have stayed longer.  MLB Network will have to hold me over until Opening Day.  Anybody have any extras for Opening Day at Coors Field?