The Voice - Student Newspaper

West valley attracts spring training players and fans

By Eric Carroll
Advertising Manager, The VOICE

America's longest-running sport has come back to the valley of the sun and with it has come the dreams of boys and girls and the power to turn everyone into children and equals. It is spring training time and the Cactus League of Baseball had its first games on Wednesday the 25th.

The Cleveland Indians call Goodyear, Arizona their home while playing in the Cactus League. The public to came out and watched them have an intersquad game on Tuesday the 24th. The game ran 5 innings.

For the fans that made it out to watch their favorite team, they were not disappointed. From beginning to end the fans cheered their Indians on. Some fans tried to catch fly balls, and there were enough to get the kids nice and sweaty.

First Base/Infield Coach Luis Rivera tossed the occasional ball to fans who sat along the first base line. One such set of fans was a couple who came all the way from Ohio to watch the Indians.

Outfielder Ryan Garko saw a lot of action causing the fans to applaud for him and call his name out so loud a flock of birds that was starting to fly over the ball park changed their flight path.

Jordan Brown, the first baseman who at press time was listed as a Non-Roster Invite (NRI), caught every ball that came his way, making it tough on his opposing teammates to score.

The city of Goodyear, which at one time was considered Avondale's little half sister and much worse, has made a name for itself in the world of sports and in the minds and hearts of Americans who love the game of baseball. The Goodyear Ball Park is going to be put to some very good use for the people of Goodyear and other communities to come and enjoy.

Second baseman Jamey Carroll did an outstanding job showing the fans much love. As the game was over and the Indians were clearing the dugouts and leaving the field for the locker room, he took his time to give a little of himself to the fans, staying on to sign autographs for eager fans after the game.

Please send comments to ecarroll@gccvoice.com