I visited the Yankees' Spring Training Camp at Legends Field in Tampa, Florida on February 20th. This was the team's first workout of the year.Before the players arrived, I killed time photographing the empty stadium seats--drawing confused looks from the New York fans.
The Yankees took a few minutes to stretch out in rightfield. Is that Coach Gary Dietz in the middle of the circle?
The New York fans look down the rightfield line as the Yankees enter Legends Field for the first time in 2008.
Much of the workout session was dedicated to good old-fashioned batting practice. It was nice to hear the crack of the bat again!
Future Hall of Famer Derek Jeter practices turning the double play at second base. Was this another phantom tag?
Coach Bobby Meacham tosses batting practice for the Yanks.
This workout was far different from the ones I attended earlier in the week for the Phillies and Rays. There were more media people at the New York workout than fans at the other teams' workouts! Future Hall of Famer Hideki Matsui is mobbed by the Japanese media after his first practice of 2008.
Look at the perfect position that this second baseman is in to field this ground ball. He is bending at the knees, stays low, keep his glove low to the ground and uses two hands! If the pros can do it, so can we.
I'll be in the Tampa Bay area until March 1st. It's great being down here in the sun, but I am looking forward to returning in March to manage our Sunday League baseball team.
Glenn Nagel
The Yankees took a few minutes to stretch out in rightfield. Is that Coach Gary Dietz in the middle of the circle?
