How does one measure the change of seasons, or acknowledge the return of spring? Do you set your clock by the groundhog’s February 2nd announcements, or are you a “first robin” believer when it comes to spring?
Those of us in snowier climates often wait for all the white stuff to begin before we’ll concede winter is in retreat, but baseball fans, we measure our time in a wholly different way. Spring begins in February, often when weather at home is still at its coldest, but when the skies in Florida and Arizona are impossibly blue and sunny.
The first images of green, freshly mowed baseball diamonds, of players in the crispest, whitest uniforms they’ve ever worn, they give us hope, give us a sense of breathless anticipation.
When spring training arrives, it doesn’t matter what all the experts have said about your team’s chances, it doesn’t matter what has happened in the years before, all that matters is now, in this moment, and everything leading out from it feels primed with potential.
A new season is here, and anything is possible.
So enjoy these first glances of as the Tigers pitchers and catchers take to the field today.
Close up photos from your favorite reporters might be sparse this spring training as COVID restrictions are limiting a lot of outside access, but that doesn’t mean the team can’t give us drone footage!
The newest Tigers catcher Wilson Ramos showed up early, he’s so excited to get going.
New pitching coach Chris Fetter has his own jersey ready to go.
I got chills…. they’re multiplying…
As more Day One content is posted we will keep this post updated.