January 13, 201412 yr You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php/2600-Minnesota-Twins-Fantasy-Camp-Jan-2014
January 13, 201412 yr Great article! This is on my bucket list (well, list of things to do before I can no longer run -- but hats off to the 81 year old gentleman who is in much better shape than I am).I've always wondered how the interactions -- for lack of a better word -- are between the players and the Twins alums? In other words, were they all pretty cool, or were there some in it for the free room and whatever $ is in it for them? Not asking you to name names, by the way.
January 13, 201412 yr Good article. But the championship games weren't at Hammond. I really wanted to watch, but was informed they were at City of Palms, and no one could get in. Also couldn't get in to watch during the week. I usually watch this camp and get a kick out of it, as others do also, so to bad we were shut out.
January 13, 201412 yr Author This year was different because of the Hammond Stadium renovations -- the camp was at Player Development Complex (old Red Sox complex) and big stadium games were at City of Palms -- these changes were made mid week
January 13, 201412 yr Author The Alums range from good to great -- they are all good at interacting with the campers - time spent in the clubhouse/lunches/dinners are very quality. Many of them make themselves very approachable and willing to answer many different types of questions -- the cool part is many of them share the same interests as many of us -- talking with them about their fantasy football teams, etc. This group of "legends" are very unique!
January 13, 201412 yr Great article. Thanks for posting this. It looks like there is a blue division and a red one. Is one division for the better players? What is the range of skill/health levels?
January 13, 201412 yr Would be a dream of an experience. To talk to Viola about game 7, 1987. To ask Hatcher about his world series HR in 1988. Maybe someday it'll happen for me!
January 13, 201412 yr Author Great article. Thanks for posting this. It looks like there is a blue division and a red one. Is one division for the better players? What is the range of skill/health levels? The camp takes the top 4 seeds and they do a 2 game playoff (Blue division) and then the next four seeds get to play in a 2 game playoff (Red division) -- seeds are determined by pool play during the week.Youngest campers are around 25 -- oldest camper is 81 and average is upper 50's -- the skill level is all over the place, some very good ballplayers and many of the participants just LOVE baseball -- all skill levels have a great time!
January 13, 201412 yr Author Viola is now AAA pitching coach for the Mets correct? I believe he is still the A pitching coach for the Savannah Sand Gnats (last year that was his job) -- but yes, he is a coach in the Mets organization -- didn't get to ask him if he moved up to AAA but that is surely possible.
January 13, 201412 yr Author Viola is now AAA pitching coach for the Mets correct? Confirmed from another camper -- Viola is going to Las Vegas to coach the AAA team there!
January 18, 201412 yr Good article. Sounds like a great experience. What kind of physical shape do you need to be in to attend?
January 30, 201412 yr Author Good article. Sounds like a great experience. What kind of physical shape do you need to be in to attend? While it is a good idea to be in decent shape because from Mon-Thursday you play 14 innings per day -- each individual is different, the camp has some very "in shape" and young players -- and also the older guys who would be in shape for each given age -- skill and levels and ages are all across the board. I would say the average age of the camper is 55 and getting through the week without any strained muscles can be a challenge!! We do tell each other -- you have 51 weeks to rest up and heal until next year's camp!
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