Spring Training

[mrdannyg]

Hi!

 

First time at the forum. This has probably been discussed a million times, but I wasn't able to find anything easily with the search - can someone point me to a thread for where people stay in/near Dunedin?

 

I'm hoping to be there for a few days in 2017 and trying to figure out the best places to go, stay, sit at the stadium, other stadiums to visit, etc.

 

Thanks!

[TilsonBritoFan]

2 of the past 3 years I went and stayed at hotels in Clearwater Beach. Just a short drive to Dunedin and it keeps the wife happy being on the beach!

 

Also Clearwater Beach is central to other stadiums - be sure to catch a Jays road game at Bradenton (Pirates, an hour south), Clearwater (Phillies) and Tampa (Yankees).

 

Also, get your tickets on stubhub if you want the best seats - last year I was able to get 1st row directly behind home plate for $50. Awesome perspective from those seats and it would cost probably $1000 each at the Rogers Centre.

[Angrioter]

Hi!

 

First time at the forum. This has probably been discussed a million times, but I wasn't able to find anything easily with the search - can someone point me to a thread for where people stay in/near Dunedin?

 

I'm hoping to be there for a few days in 2017 and trying to figure out the best places to go, stay, sit at the stadium, other stadiums to visit, etc.

 

Thanks!

 

welcome bro.

[mrdannyg]

2 of the past 3 years I went and stayed at hotels in Clearwater Beach. Just a short drive to Dunedin and it keeps the wife happy being on the beach!

 

Also Clearwater Beach is central to other stadiums - be sure to catch a Jays road game at Bradenton (Pirates, an hour south), Clearwater (Phillies) and Tampa (Yankees).

 

Also, get your tickets on stubhub if you want the best seats - last year I was able to get 1st row directly behind home plate for $50. Awesome perspective from those seats and it would cost probably $1000 each at the Rogers Centre.

 

Thanks! I will definitely check out stubhub. I will also definitely be catching a road game or two. Probably won't stay in Clearwater, because I'll be by myself and will just hole up in the cheapest room I can find with a bed. My wife will be joining me for the second half of the trip, which will include a lot more Disney and a lot less baseball!

[Ehjays]

Spring traINing games on TV

 

DAY DATE AWAY HOME SNET (ET) SNET ONE (ET)

Fri 03-04-16 Baltimore Orioles Toronto Blue Jays 1:00 PM

Sat 03-05-16 Philadelphia Phillies Toronto Blue Jays 1:00 PM

Fri 03-11-16 Boston Red Sox Toronto Blue Jays 1:00 PM

Sun 03-13-16 Tampa Bay Rays (ss) Toronto Blue Jays 1:00 PM

Fri 03-18-16 Houston Astros Toronto Blue Jays 1:00 PM

Sat 03-19-16 Philadelphia Phillies Toronto Blue Jays 1:00 PM

Sun 03-20-16 Pittsburgh Pirates Toronto Blue Jays 1:00 PM

Sat 03-26-16 New York Yankees Toronto Blue Jays 1:00 PM

Fri 04-01-16 Boston Red Sox Toronto Blue Jays 7:00 PM

Sat 04-02-16 Boston Red Sox Toronto Blue Jays 1:00 PM

 

http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/sportsnet-to-broadcast-10-blue-jays-spring-training-games/

[intentional wok]

Yesssss

 

I'm getting them feelsssss

 

I remember last year's first televised game. Snowing, and I had a meeting that I cancelled. Yes, to watch baseball at home alone.

[Ehjays]

Yesssss

 

I'm getting them feelsssss

 

I remember last year's first televised game. Snowing, and I had a meeting that I cancelled. Yes, to watch baseball at home alone.

 

Yepper, Not too far away now.....I can smell the fresh cut grass.

[Orgfiller]

Yepper, Not too far away now.....I can smell the fresh cut grass.

 

Fresh cut grass smells disgusting, I don't understand this fascination that people have with that phrase.

[TBJ12]

Fresh cut grass smells disgusting, I don't understand this fascination that people have with that phrase.

 

Not sure how anyone could describe the smell of fresh cut grass as "disgusting". Its not like its a foul smell.

[baseballsss]

Not sure how anyone could describe the smell of fresh cut grass as "disgusting". Its not like its a foul smell.

 

Some people smell things differently then others. Fresh cut grass may smell disgusting to him but not to yourself as you have a different sense of smell.

[TBJ12]

Some people smell things differently then others. Fresh cut grass may smell disgusting to him but not to yourself as you have a different sense of smell.

 

Disgusting is s***, puke, spoiled milk, rotten eggs, rotting flesh, dirty people etc. Fresh cut grass though... it just doesn't make sense to me.

 

Threads that get way off topic with stupid s*** like this annoy the s*** out of me so I'll end this argument here.

[SAAviour]

Fresh cut grass smells so good because it reminds of the fact that Spring has arrived, the cold is coming to an end, and baseball is back! That's where the saying comes from and why people love smelling fresh cut grass.

[intentional wok]

Good job Org.

[spats]

Hi!

 

First time at the forum. This has probably been discussed a million times, but I wasn't able to find anything easily with the search - can someone point me to a thread for where people stay in/near Dunedin?

 

I'm hoping to be there for a few days in 2017 and trying to figure out the best places to go, stay, sit at the stadium, other stadiums to visit, etc.

 

Thanks!

 

I have been going down to Spring Training for years and usually stay right in Dunedin. If you are going for only a few days, there are a number of efficiency motels on alt 19 just outside of town. For longer periods, I would recommend checking out VRBO or airbnb for accomodations.

I would also highly recommend heading over to the Bobby Mattick Complex where the Jays farmhands train. There are always a number of roster players there and it is very informal, plus there is no charge. There are always a couple of games going on....usually starts at 11.

Definitely try to get to a game in Clearwater.... Brighthouse Stadium is beautiful and only a 10 min drive from Dunedin. Also check out The Covered Bridge on Alt 19 for breakfast. Spring training is a great experience for any baseball fan..

Edited January 29, 2016 by spats

[Orgfiller]

Good job Org.

 

Some people can just troll without trying. I appear to be one of those people.

[Spanky99]

Fresh cut grass smells disgusting, I don't understand this fascination that people have with that phrase.

 

It's a beaaauutiful thing.

[heywriterboy]

Hi there MrDannyg,

 

I see some advice here about staying at or near Clearwater Beach. I have to throw up a caution there that really comes down to, "what is the primary nature of your trip?"

 

If you're mainly going down for ST Baseball, consider staying directly in Dunedin. The Best Western Plus Yacht Harbor Club Inn (be careful, there's also one in San Diego!) is at the Dunedin Marina. It fills up quick and you might already be out of luck for prime March times, but it is the one right on the water, you can see beautiful sunsets from the causeway and from the outdoor hallway that leads to all the rooms. The restaurant is top notch and theres' a great outdoor bar, and it's about a 2 minute walk to Dunedin Downtown. It's also adjacent to the parke where there are several festivals during March that are kind of fun. And you're a short stroll from Kelly's and most of the best downtown boutiques and restaurants. This hotel is also the closest major one to Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. It's about a 10-12 minute walk up the Pinellas Trail.

 

A little further down the road is a place I have also stayed, Beso Del Sol. It might have some timeshare stuff, but it's also renting rooms that arent' much to look at but they're comfortable, and they have little balconies, two pools, a Tiki Bar, and a view of the spectacular Sunset.

 

Clearwater Beach is BEAUTIFUL. I've stayed at the Sheraton Sand Key resort and it was really nice. Problem: iT's a ZOO during March Break or all of March, really, and getting over the Causeway by car is a pain in the ass. It's always backed up. And you will always have to do it to get to games in Clearwater, Tampa, or Dunedin. So if your primary reason is beach: Clearwater beaches are the best in the world. But if Baseball ranks higher, you are going to grow to hate that trip over the causeway.

 

At Florida Auto Exchange Stadium: The Behind Home Plate seats are good, but be aware that first, all the seating is not the same - these are bleacher seats and they have been replaced at different times and for whatever reason (as of 2015) the section 105, 104 seats are particularly small and uncomfortable. Also - the netting that covers the backstop is almost absurdly thick. LIke, 2X as thick as the netting at Rogers Centre/Skydome.

 

For my money, the best seats in the house are down the first base line closer to the clubhouse. -- section 102, 101. Lower row the better. This is where they walk to the clubhouse and also where you can get the best autographs. 103 also gets you behind the Jays dugout for tossed balls but you're not behind netting. Be sure to go to the clubhouse Season Ticket holder gate where they always have extra game day scouting reports which are useful because they list all the players and non-roster invite players by position and number -- if you care about who you're looking at.

 

The Jays stadium is rickety, but it's one of the smallest capacity ones left in Florida's Grapefruit League, so it's very intimate. If you stay in Tampa/Dunedin/Clearwater, you're also not far from the Yankees (30 mins to Tampa), Phillies (15 mins, Clearwater), and Pirates (Bradenton, about 1 hr.) Also check out Joker Marchant in Lakeland, about halfway smack between Tampa and Orlando. You'll have a ball.

 

Lots of great restos in Dunedin: check out Kelly's Chic a Boom room for atmosphere, Dunedin Draft House, Pan Y Vino, Casa Tina, Stirling Wine Bar, and the Dunedin Smokehouse

[labadee]

Fresh cut grass smells disgusting, I don't understand this fascination that people have with that phrase.

 

it smells like baseball. baseball = good

[Brownie19]

I know it's not the Jays, but Tampa's stadium in Port Charlotte is by far the best one I've been to (I've been to see the Jays, Red Sox - in the fenway replica and the Twins FWIW). Florida Auto Exchange Stadium is pretty much a s*** hole.

[G-Snarls]

With apologies to the original poster, this made me laugh the other day:

 

[G-Snarls]

I know it's not the Jays, but Tampa's stadium in Port Charlotte is by far the best one I've been to (I've been to see the Jays, Red Sox - in the fenway replica and the Twins FWIW). Florida Auto Exchange Stadium is pretty much a s*** hole.

 

My parents always raved about the Yankees and Braves stadiums

Edited February 4, 2016 by G-Snarls

[saskjayfan]

I know it's not the Jays, but Tampa's stadium in Port Charlotte is by far the best one I've been to (I've been to see the Jays, Red Sox - in the fenway replica and the Twins FWIW). Florida Auto Exchange Stadium is pretty much a s*** hole.

 

Tampa really should have the best spring training stadium seeing as how they have one of the worst major league stadium

[Brownie19]

My parnets always raved about the Yankees and Braves stadiums

 

The home of the Port Charlotte Stone Crabs has this awesome boardwalk around the entire outfield. There's a big bar out in LF and in RF you overlook the bullpens. Berm seating along the LF and RF walls (dirt cheap pricing) and a large playground equipment area makes it perfect for families with kids (ie, me). Ample parking, which is easy to get to and out of.

 

I take my boys to a Tampa Rays spring training game every year. Wouldn't miss it.

 

That said - I've seen more Mikie Mahtook at bats then one would ever desire to. It was quite a surprise for me to see him called up to the majors last year and actually go on a phenomenal run (1.8 WAR in 115 PA's - 41 games).

[Brownie19]

The home of the Port Charlotte Stone Crabs has this awesome boardwalk around the entire outfield. There's a big bar out in LF and in RF you overlook the bullpens. Berm seating along the LF and RF walls (dirt cheap pricing) and a large playground equipment area makes it perfect for families with kids (ie, me). Ample parking, which is easy to get to and out of.

 

I take my boys to a Tampa Rays spring training game every year. Wouldn't miss it.

 

That said - I've seen more Mikie Mahtook at bats then one would ever desire to. It was quite a surprise for me to see him called up to the majors last year and actually go on a phenomenal run (1.8 WAR in 115 PA's - 41 games).

 

And for the first time in the 10+ years I've been going to Florida, the BLUE JAYS are actually playing in Port Charlotte while I'm down there.....Tickets bought - boooooya!!!! Best stadium, best team, no driving. Just livin' the dream.

[G-Snarls]

And for the first time in the 10+ years I've been going to Florida, the BLUE JAYS are actually playing in Port Charlotte while I'm down there.....Tickets bought - boooooya!!!! Best stadium, best team, no driving. Just livin' the dream.

 

Awesome! Enjoy.

[Brownie19]

Awesome! Enjoy.

 

Christ I'm probably going to get some hookers and cocaine. Days like this don't come around very often!

[G-Snarls]

Christ I'm probably going to get some hookers and cocaine. Days like this don't come around very often!

 

#Beeston style

 

LOL

[S33n]

Hi!

 

First time at the forum. This has probably been discussed a million times, but I wasn't able to find anything easily with the search - can someone point me to a thread for where people stay in/near Dunedin?

 

I'm hoping to be there for a few days in 2017 and trying to figure out the best places to go, stay, sit at the stadium, other stadiums to visit, etc.

 

Thanks!

 

I'm heading down on the 3rd and staying in Clearwater. I'm looking to check out a few different stadiums instead of just old crazppy Tire Exchange. I will be going to the Jays complex on the 4th vs the Orioles but will also be Checking out Kissimee the on the 6th for Houston vs Jays and then Phillies in Clearwater on the 8th. Anybody have a suggestion as to another facility to check out between the 3rd and the 9th?

 

I was able to secure us flight, acommodation and car rentel for $1438 for the 3 of us in my group. The place we have secured is called La Quinta Inn and Suites in Clearwater South. Don't know much about it, comes with free breakfest for duration of stay and the customer reviews looked promising.

[S33n]

My parents always raved about the Yankees and Braves stadiums

 

I heard Steinbrenner Park or whatever it's called is really nice.

[Moo3]

Fresh cut grass smells disgusting, I don't understand this fascination that people have with that phrase.

 

I guess you've never played baseball before, at least as a child, else you would most likely like the smell.