If it feels like Tigers starters have given up an inordinate number of home runs this season, believe me, it feels much worse when you’re watching the Rays hit solo homer after solo homer off your ace. But let’s not dwell on the outcome, because I have pictures! I’ll post the whole set somewhere and have a link at some point, but for now, I’ll give you the highlights. Please feel free to share with a credit back to this blog. Enjoy!
Action Coke! Tampa’s bullpen is on the field, so photo ops are easy.
I really wish I knew what Delmon said to put this expression on Alex’s face. This just makes me laugh for some reason.
Benoit shows off his bowling skills with a water bottle.
Manly huggles in three, two, one . . .
Sneaky hugs from Avila for Prince!
“I love you, man!” But, seriously, if you think this is cute, you have no idea . . .
Meanwhile, in the outfield, Miggy was playfully shoving Mini Prince to provoke him, which led to a bit of a scuffle.
An adorable scuffle . . .
Uh, oh . . .
Wheeeeeeee!
I just love that the kids walk around like they belong there, like this isn’t even unusual. So awesome. The other boy is Dave Dombrowski’s kid, btw.
Berry chats with fans while signing autographs. You know, I’ve been to so many spring training games, both in Lakeland and other parks, no autographs. I go to one Rays game and get Berry AND Coke’s. Go figure.
Exactly.
Miguel shows everyone his baseball.
Curtis Granderson may still have the best smile in baseball, but I think Austin Jackson may be close.
I finally got to witness Skipper arguing with an ump. Here he is, giving some parting thoughts.
Benoit has a lovely smile, too.
Delmon, helpful for a change, decided we needed at least one run in the game and hit it into the seats.
Verlander is not amused after giving up another home run.
GET BACK!
And, finally, I give you this. I have no idea what this is, but it makes me laugh every time I see the picture. Coke was talking to fans in the special seating area behind the bullpen seats and . . . yeah. I love Phil Coke. So, so much.
"Are You Sure You're a Girl?" 