Ball State Spring Training 2019
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Baseball's smallest fans

Picture
Samantha Johnson / Ball State Spring Training / March 6, 2017

PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – With sharpies in hand, young baseball fans line the fences of practice diamonds at First Data Field in hopes of snagging a signature from their athletic heroes, enhancing their love for the game.

However, out of the millions of baseball little leaguers playing across the nation hoping to play professionally one day, only less than one percent of those who play at the high school level will move on to compete in a professional league, according to the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

​This, however, does not diminish the love of the game for hopeful youngsters. Many of baseball’s biggest hearts are in the smallest of bodies.

This time of year, spring training facilities across the south are filled with families and fans of all ages. In fact, Major League Baseball  implements special programming each year that appeals to different generations, keeping fans coming back for more.

For example, each MLB team has an online “kids site,” designed specifically for younger fans. This program allows youthful players to sign up for team camps, contact other kids through message boards and even stay up-to-date with their favorite players.

At Sunday’s New York Mets game, baseball’s smallest fans took to the stands to watch and support their favorite players: gathering as many signatures as possible and taking in the sights and sounds of Major League Baseball Spring Training.
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  • Home
  • Features (2019)
    • Victory Field
    • At The Mercy of the Sky
    • O'Brien's Road Home
    • Marlin's vs. Nationals Youngest Fans
    • Ballpark Bites
    • Harpers New Home
    • Pen, plastic brings long lasting joy to Marlins fan
    • Ball State Softball finds something to rally around
    • Ball State Softball brings the energy
    • The Judges
    • Big Glove Guy
    • Baseball's Youngest Fans: Braves vs. Tigers
    • Baseball's Youngest Fans: Braves vs. Yankess
    • Road To Muncie
    • Champion Stadium: Spring training’s family attraction
  • Through the Lens
    • Ball State Baseball vs. Butler University
    • Ball State Baseball vs. Purdue University
    • Ball State Baseball vs. University of Central Florida
    • Ball State Softball vs. Iowa
    • Braves vs. Tigers
    • Diamond Details
    • Home of the Braves
    • Marlins vs. Nationals
    • People of Spring Training
    • The Game of Baseball
    • The Shadows of Baseball
    • Yankees vs. Braves
  • "BS" Podcast
  • Our Experiences
    • Why So Serious?
    • Through the Camera
    • Paige's Process >
      • Atlanta Braves vs. Detroit Tigers
      • Ball State Baseball vs. Butler University
      • Ball State Baseball vs. Purdue University
      • Ball State Baseball vs. University of Central Florida
      • Ball State Softball vs. University of Iowa
      • Miami Marlins vs. Washington Nationals
      • New York Yankees vs. Atlanta Braves
      • SunTrust Park
  • Grapefruit League History
  • About