IDS Forum

OH MY GOSH, WHAT FUN!!!

Posted By: Andrew McCarl
Date: Thursday, 22 April 2004, at 9:30 p.m.

Hello!

I just realized when a good friend of mine asked "how was baseball camp?" that I hadn't yet told ~everyone I know~ about the experience!

If you don't know, I spent a week in February prior to Spring Training at the Kansas City Royals training camp at a baseball fantasy camp. Having NEVER played in a baseball game before, and never having stood in the box while a pitcher was trying to strike me out, this was a REALLY new experience for me.

I learned to love baseball while in Los Angeles listening to Vin Scully broadcast the Dodgers (who won the series year after I started listening - that didn't hurt). I transferred that love for the game to Kansas City when we moved back in 1990. Although the Royals were mostly disappointing throughout 90's, I shared season tickets with 4 other friends and attended 16-20 games every season.

Last summer, my family agreed to spend some major $ and send me to Royals fantasy camp this year. I started working out solidly and lost about 40 pounds, and hit the batting cages on a regular basis. The result was that when I went to Surprise, AZ where KC holds spring training, I was as ready as a virgin baseball novice could be!

I had A GREAT TIME. Taking every minute of every day in consideration, and measuring the overall quality and enjoyment of the cumulative time, I'd have to say it was the best week of my entire life. Trips to New Zealand, New York, and California all rank up there, but I'd have to say that they've been passed by.

Many of the best of the Royals were there, including George Brett, Frank White, Dennis Leonard, John Mayberry, Al Fitzmorris, Bret Saberhagen, Kevin Seitzer, Marty Pattin, Mark Gubicza, Jamie Bluma, Greg Pryor, Mike Boddicker, Brian McRae, Jerry Terrell, David Howard, Mike MacFarlane, Jeff Montgomery, Bill Pecota, John Wathan, Paul Splittorf, and probably a few others that just slip my mind, and also long-time voice of the Royals, Fred White. It was amazing to talk with these men and share their experiences. I'll never forget it.

I was fortunate enough to go down there with 3 of my friends, Dave Couch, Randy House, and my friend Keith Goosey who braved the trip only a few days after having back surgery (not playing). Keith was able to take a number of pictures for all of us, and I've posted a precious few out on the web:

http://photos.yahoo.com/amccarl_husker

Please call or write if you want to know more - I'm never disappointed to have to retell the story. Also, you can get some idea of the experience by reading the articles of Joe Posnanski of the Kansas City Star. His locker was just across from mine about 5 feet away, and most of the experiences he relates I was there in person for: www.kcstar.com , "fantasy camp". If you can't find them, let me know and I'll try to get them for you.

Enjoy!

All the Best,

Andy

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