Spring Training - Florida
- Packed crowds & hot weather in Dunedin
- The Toronto Blue Jays faced Team Canada in an exhibition game ahead of the World Baseball Classic (WBC)
- Younger prospects & experimental lineups
World Baseball Classic Excitement
- The Dominican Republic - star-studded lineup loaded with major league talent
- Japan’s elite pitching depth
- Teams from Italy, Canada, Great Britain, & Australia bring intriguing storylines & young talent
- The WBC highlights pride in country & the global growth of baseball
Rays Connections with WBC
- Junior Caminero with Dominican Republic team continues to impress with elite exit velocity & All-Star potential
- Will Tampa Bay Rays extend Caminero sooner rather than later
- Jose Caballero & Christian Bethancourt playing for Panama at game in Lakeland with Detroit Tigers
A New Wave of Talent in MLB
- Upcoming season features an exciting blend of veterans & young stars
- Cal Raleigh & Paul Skenes represent the next generation
- Rare mix of established legends & emerging stars, mirroring past eras of talent surges
Veteran Leadership in the Game
- Justin Verlander & Max Scherzer continue to influence younger pitchers
- Veteran presence in clubhouses
- Baseball’s deep respect for its history keeps players connected across generations
The Characters of Baseball
Joe West
- Legendary MLB umpire - larger-than-life persona
- Entertaining on-field moments & standing his ground with players & managers
- Country Joe sings on stage
Bill Veeck
- Harry Caray - take me out to the ballgame
- Ivy on the walls
- Broke American League color barrier by signing Larry Doby,
- Gave Minnie Minoso a 5 decade career in baseball
- Signed Satchel Paige into MLB
Tom Hamilton
- Cleveland radio broadcaster known for passionate play-by-play style
- A master storyteller who brings games to life for listeners like young Mat
Vladimir Guerrero Jr
- Vladdy Jr - bringing life to the game, core of baseball comes from the sandlot
- Smoothness to his swing,
- Learning from his dad & continuing the game with family history
Joey Votto
- Cincinnati Reds franchise icon – 17 years
- Red Surge Canadian Mounty
- Joined the fans in the stands while on rehab
- Humorous Mad Dog – Chris Russo exchange
Terry “Tito” Francona
- Respected manager & storyteller
- His leadership resonates throughout the sport
- Deep knowledge of the game
Logan Gilbert
- Seattle Mariners pitcher known for his alter ego “Walter” when pitching
- One of the quirky mental routines pitchers adopt to stay focused
- Roy Halladay
Randy Arozarena
- Known for his energy, celebrations, & his connection with fans
- Spanking home plate
- Dancing with Brett Phillips
- Sitting in the stands in “RandyLand” with Rays fans after being traded
Bryce Harper
- Fierce competitor & strong voice for players with MLBPA
- Fully embraced Philadelphia & its passionate fan base
Baseball Is Fun – Brett Phillips & Savannah Bananas, Jesse Cole
- The Women’s Pro Baseball League in Fort Myers in mid-March
- Community Little League Opening Days - bring baseball back to local neighborhoods
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