Two trucks loaded with necessary equipment are off to spring training
(CLEVELAND) -- Some people call it the first sign of spring, for others it helps them realize just how close baseball season actually is.
Thursday morning at Progressive Field two 18-wheel semi trucks were loaded with baseball equipment, uniforms, clothes, exercise machines, bikes and even golf clubs en route to Goodyear, Arizona for Cleveland Indians training camp. The annual truck loading typically takes place a few weeks before spring training.
Indians clubhouse manager Tony Amato said the load of equipment has been cut down considerably over the past few seasons due to a year-round facility in Goodyear, however two trucks are still necessary to transport all of the necessary equipment for spring training.
Amato mentioned this is the first time he could remember the trucks leaving in January. Spring training is about a week earlier this season due to the World Baseball Classic.
Both trucks are expected to arrive in Goodyear on Monday, Feb. 4. The trucks do not have as many baseballs and bats as in years past because now they are shiped directly to the Indians Player Development Complex.
The trucks arrived to Progressive Field at 7:30 am on Thursday morning and were almost completely loaded by 9:30 am. Pitchers and catchers will not report to spring training until Feb. 10, however some players and pitchers have already begun working out at the Tribe's training facility.
The annual truck loading is fun for fans to see because it helps them understand just how close baseball season is. For Amato and his staff however, it has been a busy time preparing for this loading day.
Once spring training concludes these trucks will head back to Cleveland with a lot of this same equipment and well as personal belongings that Indians players and staff may have as well.
Total Tribe Coverage begins on Feb. 11 from Goodyear with WTAM 1100 Indians beat reporter Nick Camino. For the latest news on the Indians visit the Tribe page, but also follow Nick on Twitter @CaminoTribe.
Below is Amato discussing with the media the process of loading the equipment trucks.
