Day 315: The Truck is On Its Way to Spring Training!

For non-baseball fans, the term Truck Day might elicit a "Huh?" But for many Red Sox fans, Truck Day is really the official start of Spring Training. And yes, that stupid rodent in Punxsutawney, PA is telling us that winter won't end for another six weeks up here in the north, but down in Fort Meyers, Florida, spring will abound with the sights and sounds of baseball season. *sigh*

Photo Credit: Krista Nordgren

Every year I pledge that this is the year I make it down for a look at the team before they head north in April. And every year, March at JetBlue Park passes by without me. I'll get the occasional text from a lucky friend or family member as they sit lazily in the Florida sunshine enjoying friendly Fenway South, but still I have never been to even one spring training game. I feel like my fan status should be downgraded or something. I suck, to put it simply.

I know, you're probably wondering what the big whoop is since pitchers and catchers don't report until Saturday. But how do you think all that equipment gets to Florida? One big-ass tractor trailer truck, that's how. So bright and early Saturday morning, the movers loaded box after box of equipment into the truck in front of a small but loyal gathering of fans who braved the cold to bid the truck a fond farewell.

The 18-wheeler would be hauling 20,400 baseballs, 1,100 bats, 400 pairs of socks and 60 cases of sunflower seeds to name just a few of the baseball necessities. There might even be some various player articles on that thing—like maybe some spikes belonging to Will Middlebrooks and Mike Carp and Jake Peavy's bag. The nearly 1,500-mile journey will be piloted by Milford native, Al Hartz, who is embarking on the trip south for the 16th straight year.

So it's really quite silly to get so excited about a truck full of equipment, but after the bitter cold and snowy winter we're experiencing here in New England, the thought of baseball makes spring seem right around the corner!