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STORIES

CLINT BARMES

Clint Barmes grew up in Vincennes, Indiana and played baseball at Indiana State University. He has spent 10 years in Major League Baseball. Barmes spent his first eight seasons with the Colorado Rockies, then spent a year with the Houston Astros. The past two seasons, he has been an infielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates

JUSTIN O'CONNER

Justin O'Conner is from Cowan, Ind., he is a 2011 graduate of Cowan High School. Before graduating high school, O'Conner signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Arkansas. However, O'Conner decided to enter the MiLB draft. He now plays for the Tampa Bay Rays.

ATMOSPHERE

We spent the week taking in the atmosphere of Spring Training at a variety of facilities including the Pirates in Bradenton and the Orioles in Sarasota. We talked to fans, vendors and city officials about the food, mascots and the fun surrounding America's favorite pastime.

JIM PADUCH

Jim Paduch grew up in Chicago and played college ball for Concordia University. He has been around the minor league block more than once, but always has something to more learn or prove.

ALEX DICKERSON

Alex Dickerson is from Poway, California. He was drafted out of high school but chose to play at Indiana University. Dickerson was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and is currently working his way through the minor league system

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RENNOVATIONS TO MCKECHNIE FIELD

Just before the 2013 Spring Training season, Manatee County and the city of Bradenton upgraded McKechnie Field the spring training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates and the their single-A affiliate the Bradenton Marauders. The rennovations are providing increased luxury for fans and players alike.

Welcome to the practice fields of the Rays located in Sarasota, Florida.

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TRANSITIONING THROUGH THE LEAGUES

It can take a player years before they ever see the big leagues and some may never make it there. Find out what it takes to make it from the minors to the bigs through the eyes of both players and coaches. And learn what players must go through as they move from city to city to chase their dream.

KEVIN KIERMAIER

Kevin Kiermaier finished off his senior year at Bishop Leurs High School in Fort Wayne, Ind. pitching in their IHSAA state championship win in 2008. He was the 31st round draft pick for the Tampa Bay Rays while playing for Parkland College in Champaign, Ill. Kiermaier now switched from pitcher to center field and is focusing on bettering his hitting skills.

PLAYERS FACING FAVORITE TEAMS

Baseball players like Lucas May grew up rooting for their favorite team. But now they face a difficult situation; playing against that team. Dive into the minds of players that face this scenario on a daily basis.

UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS

How can the team compete with under $70 million budget? Everyone in the organization who was asked had the same answer: the philosophy. By building the organization from the ground up, the Rays have been able to keep their heads above water. And, with Andrew Friedman at the helm, don’t look for this to change anytime soon.

PIRATES SPRING TRAINING IN MUNCIE

In 1943, the Pittsburgh Pirates were required to move from their spring training site in San Bernardino, CA to the Midwest. The team chose Muncie and McCulloch Park as their home from '43-'45. The team had issues with weather, but held great public relations with the residents of Muncie.

IVAN DE JESUS, JR.

Puerto Rican born Ivan DeJesus, Jr. grew up with baseball, it's a family tradition. He knows he has big shoes to fill and most say he has the talent to fill those shoes. It's just a matter of time.

SIMPLY

All pitchers have their own little quirks and characteristics that set them apart from others. See what makes them unique as we try to break down their pitching styles and learn about the brotherhood of pitchers.

PITCHING