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Sat, 02/18/2012 - 22:57
As lingering winter bluster still harasses us in Virginia this week, we are reminded that just a short airplane flight or a long-drive away, a glimpse of summer pastimes can be found. Spring training has finally begun, where a pre-season regimen of exhibition games and practices draws crowds and attention to a handful of Southern states, and excitement builds for the coming baseball season. Just the thought of a fastball splitting the air to the arrest of a catcher’s glove, or the sound of a bat’s clap as it starts the ball on a soaring journey, seems to take the teeth out of winter’s bite. Can summer be that far away? (All photos by The Associated Press)
A grasshopper clings to netting in the outfield stands during a media tour of the Boston Red Sox's new spring training baseball stadium Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, in Fort Myers, Fla. (AP Photo | David Goldman)
Texas Rangers pitcher Yoshinori Tateyama, left, prepares to throw while other players run during an unofficial spring training baseball workout Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, in Surprise, Ariz. (AP Photo | Charlie Riedel)
Seattle Mariners' Darren Ford casts a shadow on the field as he waits for batting practice during spring training baseball Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo | Charlie Riedel)
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada, of Japan, stretches during a workout as pitchers and catchers report to spring training baseball Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, in Sarasota, Fla. (AP Photo | David Goldman)
Seattle Mariners catcher Jesus Montero catches a ball during spring training baseball Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo | Charlie Riedel)
Minnesota Twins first baseman Chris Parmelee takes batting practice during spring training baseball, Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, in Fort Myers, Fla.
New York Mets catcher Jeff Glenn catches a ball during spring training baseball, Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (AP Photo | Jeff Roberson)
Riley Knies, age 9, from Bellingham, Wash., watches the Seattle Mariners during spring training baseball practice on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo | Charlie Riedel)
The Eyewitness photo feature, in the Monday news section of The Virginian-Pilot, February 20, 2012.
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