July 12, 2010 - Sarasota, FL to Fort Myers, FL

On our way to see the Gulf Coast Orioles and the Gulf Coast Red Sox at the Orioles facilities in Sarasota. The game was supposed to start at noon, but they were playing a double-header so it started at 11am. We were a little bit late.

Because there was a tree in our way.

The field from the back

Red Sox "dugout"

Stephanie in the stands with some Red Sox players. She didn't want to get too close.

Today, they let us sit in the control tower in the shade. YAY! This is the view from our perch.

The training path? Alley? Dirt road?

Fans in the control tower.

And this guy, just outside the left field foul line

Another one of the fields had an issue with the "dugout."

The Red Sox won the first game 9-1, we think.

There was no scoreboard, but the official scorer let us look at his sheets.


Melissa's boyfriend is a pitcher for the Gulf Coast Orioles (Chris Patrini, #41). Dave Berry's son Tim is also a pitcher for the Gulf Coast Orioles (#49). Hi Melissa! Hi Dave!

Chris and Tim hanging out
This is us hanging out.

The official scorer

Tim Berry's little sister is taking a picture of him warming up.

And here he is, pitching! After giving up a walk, he got 3 straight outs.

Sis and dad are watching from the stands. She was so excited!

With good reason: the Gulf Coast Orioles won the second game!

Here are the scorecards


And now we drive. This is what YOU think of when you think of Florida, right?


We made it to the Fort Myers Miracles (A for the Twins) game! They were playing the Jupiter Hammerheads (A for the Marlins). This was how people transport themselves to the games here.

The stadium from the outside

The field


We just walked up to the window and bought these seats. And they didn't cost $1250!

AAARGH!!! GREEN GUY!

Our friend Bob recently moved to Ft. Myers and came with us to the game.

Palm trees in right field

Take a whiff! It's scratch and sniff!

Go Sparky, Go! (there's a guy in a hamster costume running in the wheel)

The practice half-field next door only has an infield.

A Miracle homerun!

A heckuva sunset

The Diner, a food stand. Babe Ruth is standing on his head.

This is Bob and his top end. And the rest of him.

The pressbox and luxury suites

The mascot. We don't know his name.

It was Silver Slugger night!

What are Conch and Balls? What? What??

They sell seats at the drink rail for the imbibers at the outfield bar.

Be your own fan!

Stephanie, Bob and Todd!

The Miracle beat the Hammerheads decisively.

REALLY??? Again?????

They scoop up the baselines to keep them safe for the night. Or something.

Hi Annett! We'll see you soon!

We parked on Bert Blyleven Lane. That made Stephanie happy.