Matt, on the other hand, wanted to see Spring Training, specifically our own Texas Rangers Spring Training in Surprise, Arizona. So, on Friday before Spring Break, Matt and I hopped on a Southwest Airlines flight and headed to Phoenix. Here's our trip.
Friday, March 8
We boarded Southwest Airlines Flight 2194 and made our way to Arizona. Upon arrival, we picked up our rental car and made our way to Scottsdale, to the Spring Training home of the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Rockies were playing host to our Rangers and we arrived about the third inning, just in time to see the Rangers in the lead. They would not maintain that lead.
Just before takeoff, me and mini-me.
Matt loves the window seat. That means I sit in the middle seat. I hope he remembers this when he picks out my nursing home later in life.
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, the Spring Training home of the Diamondbacks and the Rockies, on an incredibly beautiful, if slightly cool, March afternoon.
Matt and I both enjoyed some Coldstone Creamery at Salt River Fields. A great day for baseball.
We stayed for the final out. The Rangers lost 10-11.
We made our way to Surprise, about an hour's drive in rush hour traffic, and checked into our hotel. While driving there, we found a Whataburger. Matt's trip was made. Dinner at a Texas burger joint in Arizona.
We made a Walmart run, because, duh, the Hayhursts always end up at Walmart somewhere along the way, and then turned in for an early Saturday wake-up call.
Saturday, March 9
Saturday morning we woke up, had breakfast and then made our way to the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals Spring Training facility at Surprise Stadium, about a five-minute drive from our hotel. (Note to fellow Rangers fans - there are three hotels within walking distance of the Surprise Stadium, but I like my Hilton HHonors points and the only Hilton property within walking distance wasn't open yet. Maybe next time. ;-))
We watched a bit of practice; Matt captured several players' autographs, and then we watched the Rangers take on the Chicago White Sox. During the game, Matt got a foul ball off the bat of Rougned Odor, so that pretty much made his whole trip!
Matt is excited to be at the Rangers facility.
Matt took a picture of me, too.
Matt waits "patiently" by the first base gate at Surprise Stadium.
The Rangers logo painted freshly on the practice field.
Matt waits patiently for Shin-Soo Choo to sign baseballs. Choo was awesome and signed something for everybody there.
Just above our seats (which were on the second row).
The view from our seats.
Odor's foul ball. You can make out the Cactus League logo on the ball.
Can you tell me how to get, how to get to, um, Arlington or Kansas City?
The Rangers were not so hot. They lost to the White Sox 2-12.
That night, we drove east a little ways to Peoria, Arizona, and the home of the Cincinnati Reds, who were playing the San Diego Padres. We only stayed for a few innings at that game. The Padres won 6-2.
Sunday, March 10
Sunday we woke up and traveled up to Glendale, Arizona, to do a little hiking. (Emphasis on "little.") We were heading back to Scottsdale to see the San Francisco Giants host the Rangers. We weren't expecting much (considering the Rangers of the American League have, shall we say, a history with the Giants of the National League).
We arrived at the stadium in Scottsdale and learned that parking is expensive there and tickets are even more so. ($51 a seat -- I don't pay that much for most games at Rangers Ballpark! -- but hey, vacation, right?)
Hunter Pence, an Arlington High School (Kick 'em Colts!), and UT Arlington alumnus (Go Mavs!) was traded from the Giants to the Rangers during the offseason. Pence was our DH (I was surprised even at the National League parks they use a DH in Spring Training). First at-bat, lots of applause and he singled to get on base. Second at-bat, a little less applause and he homered. Third at-bat, only the Rangers fans applauded. IIRC, he hit a double.
Fun day in a neat stadium. Reminded me of the old Arlington Stadium, in that there was no escape from the sun. Mercy, it was hot!
Matt while on our short hike in Glendale.
Selfie while on our short hike in Glendale.
Matt, beyond right field at the Giants' Spring Training stadium.
At our $51-a-ticket-seats in right field.
The view wasn't bad.
The Rangers beat the Giants 7-6. It was an ugly game. But a win is a win!
Monday, March 11
We could have made most of another Rangers game, but Matt was ready for something different, so we went to the Odysea Aquarium in Scottsdale on our last day before we headed to the airport. Wow. What a facility. If you find yourself in Phoenix, plan three or four hours at Odysea. It's worth your time and money.
After the aquarium, we hit lunch, and then headed to the airport for the flight home. As my boss reminded me when I returned to work on Wednesday, "you made a memory." We made several good ones on this trip. Matt said we need to go every year.
We may need to save a little bit more for that!
Matt has always been amazed by rays of various kinds.
Matt loves any place with water. Even in the middle of a desert.
The toucan exhibit.
The young man and the sea.
