A Bat, A Boy, Some Batting Gloves, And Evan Longoria
The cry from behind the Rays’ dugout was not the most common one, but it’s not like Evan Longoria had never heard it before.
“Evan!,” the young boy bellowed. “Can I have your batting gloves?”
Longoria, out by the batting cage on McKechnie Field in Bradenton, decided to engage. “I need them to hit. What am I supposed to do when I hit?” The boy looked back, startled and without riposte. “Yes. I’m talking to you. About batting gloves. I mean, if I give them to you, what do I use? Can I use your instead?”
Now the boy was back on more familiar ground. “My batting gloves are in my bag in the car.” Longoria played peeved, but evidently was, in fact, charmed.
“Maybe I should give you everything I use. Gloves, bat, cap. I just won’t hit.”
The boy became thoughtful. “No, don’t do that.”
Seemingly the end of the exchange, and Longoria went ahead and hit. And as soon as he finished, he ambled back to the Rays’ dugout without looking at the boy. And he popped back up and slapped a bat on the dugout and, with a big smile, pushed it towards the youngster, and raced off to shag fly balls before the boy or his mother could even say thanks.
OTHER EVENTS OF THE DAY, ILLUSTRATED:
Manny Ramirez leads the Rays in humiliating skipping drills that the strength and conditioning staff insists are really some kind of exercise.
The generations mingle during Pitchers’ Fielding Practice. If the gentleman on the right is not instantly recognizable, you missed the 50th Anniversary celebrations last October.
One more: Pitcher, Author, Autograph-signer and his friend. 
Baseball Nerd 
Thanks for the updates KO. Last time I was able to get to spring training was about 18 years ago with my Dad. He passed away a month ago and the sights and sounds through your writing ad pics are taking me back to that wonderful trip with my Pop. Thanks TG
Mr.Olbermann, Do you know a Joseph Pelaez? If you do can you please send me an email address so I may tell you what I need to ask you. It has something to do with Message You Liz.
Mr.Olbermann, Do you know a Joseph Pelaez? If you do can you please send me an email address so I may tell you what I need to ask you. It has something to do with baseball. Thank You Liz.
Love the photo-blogging! More, please!
Thanks for the Mazeroski shot. Makes me homesick for my hometown of Pittsburgh and to attend opening day at PNC Park. I guess I’ll have to settle for a game at the Ravine. Jan in Santa Clarita
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