ON THE ROSTER

There is a method to the madness when it comes to which players you’ll see during a training game

• If you hope to see some superstar players in action, be sure to get to the game on time. Starters typically play only the first few innings, while players whose status on the roster is still undecided take the field in later innings.

• As it gets closer to regular season, teams start narrowing down their rosters. If you want to see more developing, under-the-radar players, attend games earlier in the season. If you would rather get a feel for what the team will actually look like during regular season, attend the later games.

• Always grab a program on your way into the stadium. It will provide you with the names and jersey numbers of new, up-and-coming players and non-roster invitees you may not recognize.

Don’t forget the sun! With many of the games in the middle of the day, the sun can be as annoying as your rival team. Roger Dean is Florida’s only spring training stadium without a roof, so try getting seats underneath the overhang from the press box to minimize the rays. The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches offers a good amount of shade, with the most all-game shade in sections 110-116. At Clover Park, the oddnumbered sections are shaded when the game starts; even-numbered seats are usually in full shade by 2:15 p.m.

Get creative. Come prepared with a Sharpie and bring a unique item for a player to sign. The more creative the item is, the more players will notice you.

Pick the right target. Identify up-andcomers beforehand and learn their names. These younger players, especially when called by name, are typically more receptive to autograph requests.

And the right day. Weekday games are typically less crowded, thus have more potential for signature success.

Get in position. At Roger Dean, the bullpens are where the action is. The Marlins dugout by left field is said to be one of the most player-accessible spots at any spring training ballpark. In general, the practice fields are a great opportunity to snag autographs—the players are more relaxed, and there are fewer fans to compete with.

Beat the crowds. Workouts occur on both game days and in the weeks leading up to opening day. At Clover Park and The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, they’re open to the public and can be a great time to get up close and personal with players and potentially snag a signature as they leave practice.