Baseball was made for grass ..

Clearwater, Fla. - 82 degrees - a grass berm to watch baseball from ..... Priceless ........

From the time we landed in St. Pete until we flew out was just over 48 hours, just enough time to catch the Phils vs Rays in Bright House Field, (For about $11 you can sit (or lay) on the berms in the outfield - a great place to catch a tan and watch ) and see them play again the next day in historic Al Lang Field.

After watching the clubs split the two games I'm told "watch out for the Rays - they're an improved ballteam ... and this kid Longoria will be one to watch".

Jimmi Williams stopped by and signed a baseball for us, and we got a good look at Jamie Moyer and the backups when the "scheduled starters" stayed home in Clearwater.

Hey, maybe this'll become an annual event !!

The Boys of Summer

Growing Up at the South Jersey Shore meant rooting for the Philadelphia Phillies. I shared the passion with my grandfather, who took me to my first professional baseball game in Connie Mack Stadium (Shibe Park).

Many evenings, and Sundays, have been spent with an ear to the radio following the Phils, even in the lean years.

Eventually we became a family with a partial season ticket plan, making the one hour drive to the Vet and Citizen's Bank Park about 20 times each year.

After last Season's finish we just couldn't wait for the season to start - so my three sons and I are making the venture to Clearwater, Florida to watch the Phils play a pair of Spring Training games.

Opening Day looms just a few short weeks away - which is a SURE sign that Summer is right behind. Nothing beats a day at the beach, or an afternoon on the water with a hoagie and a Phillies broadcast on the radio.