Written by Richard Justice at MLB.com
Nothing says Spring Training like the sight of Red Sox coach Brian Butterfield hitting hundreds of ground balls to his infielders. His energy, attitude and love of his job are legendary, and there surely are lessons for all of us in watching the pride he has in his craft.
And nothing says Spring Training like watching Mike Trout step into the batter’s box and spray line drives around the field with a swing that is so smooth, it seems effortless.
And absolutely nothing says Spring Training more than watching Ichiro Suzuki get ready for his 26th season of professional baseball. His preparation remains as meticulous as ever, a thing to behold and admire.
Ichiro’s career has been divided between Japan (nine seasons) and the Major Leagues (16 seasons), and he has excelled in both places. His next hit will be his 4,309th.
This is where we begin again: With familiar things. With people we admire. With reminders of why we love it so.
So to honor Spring Training in 2017, here are 17 things to be excited about:
1. The Cubs as defending champions
There’s a huge sense of accomplishment that seems to take hold in Spring Training after a team has won a World Series. That’s especially true of this club, after that 108-year wait and all. It whets the appetite for more.
2. Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw’s curveball
When Kershaw dropped a 1-2 curve on an opposing hitter early in his career, Vin Scully spoke for an entire sport: “Holy mackerel!” Scully nicknamed the pitch “Public Enemy No. 1.” If it’s not the best pitch in baseball, it might be the most impressive to watch.
3. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve’s hands
They’re arguably the quickest in the game. They get the bat into the hitting zone so fast, and Altuve has an amazing ability to adjust to velocity and location. Those hands are why he has averaged 214 hits the past three seasons, and that at 26, he’s on a clear Hall of Fame arc.
To continue reading this article, click here.
