Over the past two weeks, I've made a pair of quick jaunts down to Florida to catch some spring training action. Every year, I try to get to at least a couple of games to watch players perform in a relaxed atmosphere and where hope springs eternal.

It's baseball at its finest. You're in smaller parks with advertising on the walls for local businesses. The players are relaxed and jovial with the fans, talking about places to eat and things to do in their temporary homes. Access to the game's elite is never better for fans seeking a handshake, a kind word or an autograph. There are small patches of grass to set up a picnic like you'd see at minor league stadiums across the country. You see the fans from Boston, New York and Minnesota taking a brief break from a brutal winter, happy to see the sun & take in "their guys."

I watched Josh Beckett at his best against the Twins. I saw the Yankees' regulars take their cuts, and I watched as Twins fans gave Johan Santana the "we're not worthy" treatment.

I watched the games like I did as a kid, wide-eyed with an excitement for the new season to come.

Get to Florida or Arizona when you get a chance. Reconnect to that game you love.