Yankees Invite Me To Spring Training!
O.K., so my name wasn’t on the list of the 20 non-roster invitees announced today, and it wasn’t exactly the Yankees that invited me to Tampa. It was Barnes & Noble.
But still. I’m going to spring training, which is no small thing. I’ll be signing copies of my book between trips to Steinbrenner Field, so if anybody will be in the Tampa area on Friday, March 6th at 1 p.m., please stop by the Carrollwood store and say hi. I mean it. Come. It’s humiliating to sit there all by yourself like a kid with a lemonade stand.
This nice author is putting on a brave face, but inside she’s dying, trust me. What I’d really like to see is something more like this.
A line, right. Just to get inside the store.
In fact, it would be gratifying if there was such a huge, unruly crowd that we needed help keeping the peace.
With reinforcements.
I’ll also be at the game that night (Yankees host the Tigers), and can’t wait to get my first look at CC, AJ and Tex in their Yankees uniforms.
As for those 20 non-roster invitees, which include everyone from the DFA’d Shelley Duncan to the well-traveled Angel Berroa, I was thinking….since the Yankees seem to be so democratic about the process….maybe they’d invite one more person?
No, of course I’m not suggesting that I try out for the team. I stink at baseball. Tennis has been my game, and all I dreamed about growing up was playing like her.
I was just wondering if I could sneak onto the field and take batting practice. It’s not totally unheard of.
Posh Spice did it.
She even tossed the ball around.
(Talk about throwing like a girl.)
Maybe they’d let me catch for an inning or two.
Or steal a base.
On second thought, I’d probably get in the way and cause something like this to happen.
And the truth is, I’m more interested in hanging out with the players than being in the middle of a melee.
Will I find someone to hang out with?
Maybe?
Yeah, that’s me. And him. But we’re just friends.
Confessions of a She-Fan 
If I’m in Florida around that time, I’ll be sure to check it out!
Can’t wait to read the book!
Josh
Please do come, Josh!!!!!
I wish I could come! I’d bring people to form a gigantic line. I’m pre-ordering it next week when I get my refund check and can actually afford it!
Jen
http://ajroxmywhitesox.mlblogs.com
Jen, I wish you could come and bring your friends. This will be my first spring training in a number of years and I’m really excited.
If I win one of the 10 plus contests I entered, I might be there for the Super Bowl. As I recall, the football stadium is almost right beside where the Yankees play. Never been to a Superbowl or World Series game, I hope I make it one day. Anyway, good luck, hope you sign lots of books.
http://homerfoodandhistory.mlblogs.com/
TEN contests? Your odds are pretty good, Jeremy. I hope you win and get to go to Florida for some sunshine and football.
You are obviously very talented, Jane. The line to meet and greet you will be plentiful.
BTW, Posh Spice has nothing on you…
http://thehappyyoungster.mlblogs.com/
Jane – Good luck! I’m sure you will have long lines! I’m looking forward to getting my book on 2/3!
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
I’m glad that you’re able to go to Spring Training! That sounds so exciting. And you should definitely be allowed to participate in a practice. You wrote a book on the Yankees for goodness sakes!
http://kaybe.mlblogs.com
Does Kate know? Madonna? His ex-wife? The New York Post? Watch your back, Jane.
–Jeff
http://redstatebluestate.mlblogs.com/
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Happy. Posh has a better wardrobe than I do though!
From your mouth to God’s ears, Julia. Hope you don’t get shunned when you go to pick up your copy, given your last trip to B&N!
I wish the Yankees felt the way you do about it, Kaybee. They’re pretty strict. If you so much as look at a player, you get tossed. (Well, I exaggerate.)
I’ll be careful, Jeff. I’m going in with my eyes open.
Personally I would’ve gone for Jeter, since he’s much better looking, but I guess ARod needs some love, too. Good luck with your book signing! Though I would much rather be in Tampa than here in Minny, I’m broke and won’t be able to attend. I’m sure there’ll be a long line outside the store. Just look at all the people who read your blog!
The economy is so tough, Erin. What I’m hoping is that since expensive trips are not in the equation these days, people will spend $25 on a book. But we shall see. Stay warm in Minny. I hear it’s really cold right now.
This blog was Wow funny…
That is all
Cob
http://cobf.mlblogs.com
Thanks, COB!
Hey, Jane …
Well, I’ll keep the date open for your “book signing” [March, 6th – right?] … You never know, it would be the perfect reason to be in Tampa, FL, at that time of the year … But, at least, the Yankees should let you throw out the first ball in the game that night !!! … I mean, you’re not asking to actually play in the game, or get an “at-bat”, like Billy Crystal did last !!! … So, Jane, I’ll look for you on the “Best Sellers” Lists, and, maybe, in Tampa, or New York, at one of your book signings !!! … Jimmy [27NYY], “BY&L” http://baseballtheyankeesandlife.mlblogs.com/
Me throwing out the first pitch? LOL, Jimmy. The ball would bounce a million times before it made it to home plate. I hope you come to spring training while I’m there. It would be so nice to meet you.
Jane,
Living in Florida it is a definite possibility that I might be able to stop by! I’d love to see a Yankees vs Tigers game, and meet you in person and get my book autographed (I’m counting down the days!!). And if Posh gets batting practice, you should too!!
-Elizabeth
http://redsoxgirl46.mlblogs.com
Yay, Elizabeth! How far is Miami from Tampa? Or will you be in Ft Myers for the Red Sox? At least that’s on the west coast of FL.
Jane I should tell you in my mind I call you Joan Wilder an author from one of my favorite movies and I’m sure you have the same outrageous moments now that I have seen your “paparazzi” photo with strayrod! When you become a millionaire (if your not already) by all the books bought in the New York market alone don’t forget the little people!
tom
http://rockymountainway.mlblogs.com
Did I miss it or did no one notice Posh’s shoes?
Mark/MLB.com
http://mlblogs.mlblogs.com
http://omgcheckoutposhspicesshoes.mlblogs.com
Can not wait for the book!! I am so excited. 🙂
HOPE YOU WROTE ABOUT TINO!! LOL
http://ladyyankee.mlblogs.com/
Tom, I adored “Romancing the Stone!” Funny that you think of me as Joan Wilder. Writing novels has always been a blessing and a curse. It’s great to be able to think up wild and crazy plots. But it’s exhausting to have an imagination that never lets you sleep!
I noticed Posh’s shoes, Mark. They’re like sneakers/wedges. I don’t know she walks in them without twisting her ankle.
Hey, Sheena. Thanks for being excited about the book. Makes my day to hear that. I didn’t write about Tino, sorry. The book is a diary of the ’07 season and Tino was long gone. 😦
She-Fan,
How about a signing in Syracuse. You know how to use a windshield scraper?
El duque
If you can get a Syracuse Barnes & Noble to windshield-scrape up the money to bring me there, I’d be happy to come and speak to the local denizens, duque.
I have already gotten it posted on my phone, computer and on the calendar in the kitchen to be there and support the She-Fan.
You can count on me, and I sent a email today to Matt Silverman letting him know about the event, because that is the kind of Rays fan I am, got to keep the good press going for the big guy in the leather chair.
Looking forward to reading my autographed copy during Batting Practice a few days later at the USA WBC warm-up game against the Phillies in Clearwater. That and smelling that new book smell that will fill the air.
Rays Renegade
http://raysrenegade.mlblogs.com
Oh, cool, renegade! I adore you! I need to look at the Rays’ schedule. Maybe I can go see them play while I’m in the area.
Only trying to help a fellow blogger. It is nothing ma’am ( tipping cap).
I think they are down in Port Charlotte most of that time, but the US WBC squad is playing in Clearwater on March 5th at the beautiful outdoor Brighthouse Networks field at 1:05 pm. also, the Us squad is training here in Clearwater, so the Tilted Skirt restaurant will be more crowded than Hooters during that week.
I will be at the Tiki Bar with a cold beverage or two. and some Westshore Pizza in my belly.
Rays Renegade
http://raysrenegade.mlblogs.com
I just checked their schedule. They play the Red Sox in Port Charlotte on March 7 – the day after my signing. Maybe I can finagle tix to that. Fat chance.
Posh Spice looks like a Cenobite. Why do people like her?
Um, what does she do again? Does she have “talent”? I can’t remember.
Can someone remind me why she is important?
Miami and Tampa are on opposite sides of the State, BTW….
Posh Spice was famous for five minutes as one of the Spice Girls in England, mm. No talent that I can remember except marketing. And I’m aware of the geography in FL, thanks!
😉 I was joking about the geography in FL. I knew that you knew about that.
Victoria Beckham is the perfect example of over-rated and over-exposed.
EEk.
Hey Jane! Sadly, I am leaving for the airport at about 12pm on 3/6 to go home :O( Will you be at either of the WBC games in Clearwater on the 4th & 5th? I’d love to catch up with you if you’ll be around!
And hey, is Posh wearing platform sneakers? Where in the world do you get platform sneakers? OMG.
Jenn
http://philliesphollowers.mlblogs.com/