Phillies Spring Training Is About So Much More Than Practice Games
Pennsylvania residents sometimes get the hope of an early spring if the sun decides to shine on Groundhog Day. Fans of the Philadelphia Phillies, however, get the itch for sunshine and a beautiful spring day a few weeks later when Spring Training begins in Clearwater, Florida.
A nice afternoon at Citizens Bank Park has become as synonymous with summertime in Philadelphia as the 4th of July. The Phillies play only a schedule of practice games in the Grapefruit League in February and March. However, the appeal of Spring Training goes much deeper than a few ballgames that won’t get the Fightin’ Phils back to Red October.
Phillies Spring Training in Clearwater
If you’re lucky enough to take the trip to Clearwater, enjoy a cold drink at Frenchy’s Tiki Pavillion located just over the outfield wall. Stop by the Preston & Steve broadcast while you’re at it.
If you’re listening to MMR up in Philadelphia, stop looking out the window at the snow and desperately hoping for a day off. Turn your attention to the social media posts from Clearwater. The sight of palm trees and a beautifully kept baseball diamond will keep your spirits up until the Phillies return to Citizens Bank Park. You’re almost there.
If you’re watching Preston & Steve on the YouTube stream from another northern city, think about that ice cold beer you’ll enjoy on a sunny beach this summer while that clearing frost off your windshield becomes the farthest thing from your mind.
Ignore the frigid winter temperatures and instead remember you’re part of the best traveling fan base in sports, the one that paints beautiful Clearwater Beach red every year in February and March. Nobody can walk more than a few steps in Clearwater without running into someone from Philly.
Preston & Steve in Clearwater
The Preston & Steve Show will broadcast live from Clearwater (Clearwooder) on Thursday, March 14 and Friday, March 15. Thursday’s show will be live from BayCare Ballpark, and they’ll move over to Coco’s Beach Bar on Friday.
Kelly Walter from Monroeville, NJ is the luck WMMR listener who won the chance to join the trip. Last year’s guests included Charlie Manuel, Rhys Hoskins, and Brandon Marsh.
Happy #Phillies Opening Day. pic.twitter.com/hFUkPUghZZ
— The Preston & Steve Show (@PrestonSteve933) March 30, 2023
Brandon Marsh
Who would forget the eccentric Brandon Marsh as a show favorite? The 26-year-old outfielder will have to rehab from a recent surgery during Spring Training, but his lively personality off the field will still add some fun for the six-week stay in Clearwater.
Last March, he joined Preston & Steve to chat about the chase for a World Series and his bizarre connection with Casey Boy based on their fear of sea creatures. The most memorable part of the conversation was about his now trademark hair style.
“It looks terrible out there. I see pictures of it, and I’m like ‘Yea, it does look terrible.’ It keeps it out of my face. I just dump it with water. We find our edge out there.” -Brandon Marsh
“It smells good right now!” @brandon_marsh22 #phillies #springtraining pic.twitter.com/nA11nO9D5t
— The Preston & Steve Show (@PrestonSteve933) March 17, 2023
If the Phillies win the World Series, you might see that hairstyle catch on in Philadelphia. He even made his return to the show during the summer to try his luck on The Price Is Right.
Marsh expects to be ready for regular game action by MLB Opening Day on March 28.
Watch The Preston & Steve Show on YouTube weekday mornings at 6am.
Photos From Our Trip To Phillies Spring Training 2023 In Clearwater, Florida
