Peoria, Arizona: Many of my readers will be happy to learn it rained here overnight. All night, in fact. Clouds filled the skies this morning - but it did not rain all day - and the temperatures were into the low 70's - so it was just a perfect day for baseball. According to the local news, we received approximately one-half inch of rain through the night. Our runs this morning were much more comfortable in the cooler weather.
This is our last day in Peoria and our last Mariner Spring Training game. Not all of the games have been very exciting, but I can assure you we will return to Spring Training. It is much more casual than a game at Safeco Field in Seattle. In Peoria, fans have opportunities to meet the players, get autographs and interact one-on-one. Seats - even in the shade - are only $19. Parking is $5. Beers are $5.25. The Peoria stadium is very modern and nice. Fans are so friendly. It really was a very enjoyable experience, and RVGoddess.com gives Mariner Spring Training a "thumbs up".
Where else can you have your photo taken with a gianormous Mariner baseball?
My Dad was very happy this afternoon when his home-town favorite brewery rolled-in a portable trailer/keg to dispense his favorite beer. Deschutes Brewery makes gourmet microbrews in Bend, Oregon. For my non-Northwest readers, it is pronounced Duh-shootz - some sort of Oregonian bastardization of the French word for waterfall.I think the Oriental carpets are a nice touch. We Oregonians are so classy.
And just in case you didn't get your Ichiro on yesterday, tonight I give you - ICHIRO AROUND THE BASES!
This afternoon the Seattle Mariners played beat the Los Angeles Angels. My Man Ichiro was up to bat early.Knees together.
This afternoon Ichiro made a nice hit and landed hisownself on first base.
But Ichiro is not your normal player. He is quick. Sneaky. Fast. He gets bored waiting for other players to hit so he can move to the next base.
Waiting is for wimps. Ichiro is a thief.
Ichiro steal bases. Pitchers have basically given-up trying to stop Ichiro.
Second basemen do not like Ichiro. Ichiro is too fast.
Ichiro looks like he is just waiting for a batter to hit him to third base. But he is really just waiting for a millisecond of opportunity to move his little rear to third base.
Do not take your eyes off Ichiro Suzuki or he will land on your base and make you feel like you are going to be sent down to the minors tomorrow morning.
Next thing you know, he is sitting on your head and has scored yet another run.Don't mess with Ichiro.
Tonight we met old family friends for dinner after the game. Peggy & Bob live in Salem, Oregon. Bob and My Dad worked together for years. Peggy & Bob are also here enjoying Spring Training. We had a fabulous meal back at that wonderful smoked/grilled meat place, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, across the street from the baseball stadium. Delicious meals, great conversation and good times with old friends!
Bob, Peggy & Dad
Until my next update, hopefully from sunny Mexico, I remain, your Spring Training correspondent.
RV Park: Valley of the Sun RV Park. Bare-bones facility behind the Ramada Inn on Grand Avenue near the 101 Ring Road. $230 for a week. Our site is one of the few with 50 amp service. Back-in site over quickly-collapsing asphalt. Bath house and laundry and it seems RV guests can use the motel pool.