Detroit Tigers spring training: Pitchers and catchers report

Oh, happy day! We have survived the long winter, and at last baseball activities have resumed. On Tuesday — in spite of some early arrivals — pitchers and catchers officially reported to Lakeland, Florida for the Tigers’ spring training camp.

And while the Tigers won’t actually start playing exhibition games until the end of February, it’s still a comfort to see the team out, wearing the olde English D on their caps, and showing that they’ve (mostly) stayed in shape this offseason. There are familiar faces (some hidden under bushy beards) and also new arrivals, and plenty to get hyped about.

Regardless of how the Tigers are predicted to do this season, we can all share in the excitement of seeing the team back in action.

We’ve collected some of the best images from the hard-working beat reporters down in Lakeland to share with you the first true signs of spring.

Look at this beard. This beard needs its own baseball card.

Is Gardy in the best shape of his life? Might be.

Brayan Pena is well aware that he’s basically the dad of the catching crew at this point, and has embraced the role.

And in case you’re wondering if they’re having fun in Lakeland...

Looking forward to seeing how the guys do in the coming week. The first full squad workout is scheduled for February 19, but expect to see most of the team arrive for workouts well ahead of that date.