raysbabyrays:

Experienced autograph hounds brought books to pass the time. The rest stood patiently, sometimes for hours, waiting for a signature from the likes of outfielder Matt Joyce, first baseman Carlos Peña and third baseman Evan Longoria.

William Umberger and his three sons skipped the endless autograph lines in favor of the shorter wait at the pitching and batting cages.

Umberger’s youngest son, Nathaniel, 7, tried his hand pitching to a catcher painted on a canvas a few feet away. The ball thumped against the backdrop and the radar gun reported his speed: 34 mph.

He might not be headed for the majors yet, but that’s OK. Nathaniel’s a soccer whiz, his dad said.

It was exciting to be standing on the field where the players usually walk, Umberger said.

“We try to come to as many games as we can,” said the Sarasota resident. “Usually, we sit in the outfield.

“I’ll come no matter what,” he said, “whether they win or lose.”