Jupiter, Florida has an area called Abacoa which houses the Spring training facilities for the Florida Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals.  Yesterday (Sunday) was another picture perfect day in South Florida for this time of the year. I was able to take my son (6) along with my Father and Uncle to go watch the Florida Marlins practice.

For those who have not made it out to these practice facilities, (Roger Dean Stadium) I am here to tell you that they are so fan friendly.  From the even Staff asking if they can help you find anything down to the players themselves.  My son was able to have his baseball signed by 9 players from the Marlins. (some are very big names) All the players where very nice and took their time to sign all the kids baseballs.  Unfortunately, you also see the ugly side of the business when you have grown men with books and books of baseball cards trying to get the players to sign so they can then sell it for a profit.  However, nothing could spoil our day at Roger Dean Stadium.

When players go from field to field they are usually asked for autographs by many of the children.  One of the Marlin's players told my son the only reason why he signed his ball was because he had good maners and used the word please.  A great lesson for the other children and grown men who where pushing the pens in these players faces like they owed it to them to sign.

If you find yourself in South Florida (Northern Palm Beach County) and want to make a great day of it. Come on out to Roger Dean Stadium located in Abacoa  and watch the Florida Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals play ball. (Jupiter, Florida)