:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63042490/1061780990.jpg.0.jpg)
Baseball. Is. Back.
No, games aren’t being played. Yes, there’s still snow in Detroit. But down south in Lakeland, FL the boys are back, and so is the deeply satisfying sound of baseballs hitting well-oiled leather gloves.
Pitchers and catchers officially reported to Joker Marchant Stadium on Tuesday, though many had arrived early, even before the weekend, and were eager to take to the field to start shaking off the winter cobwebs.
Even though there’s not a lot of news to report on beyond the usual “he’s in the best shape of his life” wide-eyed hopes, there’s something truly euphoric about being able to see beloved Tigers players back in uniform and out on the field.
All together now:
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) February 12, 2019
Press play.
Close your eyes.
Deep breath.
BASEBALL IS BACK pic.twitter.com/pJukVGkrbw
A video of Michael Fulmer fielding simulated bunts on a back field, is this what you people want pic.twitter.com/uoe2V67SZG
— Anthony Fenech (@anthonyfenech) February 12, 2019
Yes, Anthony. Yes it is.
Casey Mize throwing a bullpen session under watch of pitching coach Rick Anderson and a slow-motion camera. pic.twitter.com/uVzO5tZ62x
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) February 12, 2019
Enjoy Daniel Norris' beard while it lasts. It will probably be gone by this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/tH2uyOzTPn
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) February 12, 2019
Wait... no! Beard forever!
Matthew Boyd and Jordan Zimmerman warming up. pic.twitter.com/uPLRtJmfHb
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) February 12, 2019
Casey Mize playing catch with infielder/reliever Kaleb Cowart. pic.twitter.com/S0UawoBDpp
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) February 12, 2019
(Everyone is very excited about Casey Mize, as you can tell.)
The first official workout is on Wednesday, but it appears everyone is already geared up and ready to go.
Except Matt Moore.
He’ll be late to camp because his wife is giving birth, which, as reasons for being late goes, is a pretty good one.