Out and About: Gatorville, USA

Another day on the road, another set of new adventures. I ate a gator burrito Monday night, no joke. Quite tasty. Illinois State dropped an 8-2 decision to the No. 6 Florida Gators last night. The 'Birds hung in there and trailed just 2-1 through four innings, but a few mistakes led to back-to-back three run innings for Florida and the loss. Another big opportunity pending Wednesday night for the team. Here are some more shots from the road. Most of these photos are taken from my phone's camera, so the quality isn't great, but it's what's on the inside that counts right?

March 8, 2010 - Gainesville, Fla.

Toshi, Illinois State's athletic trainer and my road roomie, and I ate at a place called The Swamp across the street from Florida's campus Monday. Perhaps not surprising, the chips in our chips and salsa were Gator blue and orange. Come on Florida, you couldn't find a way to stamp Tim Tebow's face on a tortilla chip? (editor's note: I like Tim Tebow, keep fighting the good fight homes)

March 8, 2010 - Gainesville, Fla.

For some reason I love restricted access signs (see MLB sign at Metrodome at www.kevinwmccarty.com). It's probably some sort of egotistical, pride thing. Maybe its a rebellion thing, or a disbelief that I get to go to some really cool places that other don't. Regardless, I walked right by this sign as the team practiced at McKethan Stadium Monday night.

March 8, 2010 - Gainesville, Fla.

Perry Field at McKethan Stadium, like all of Florida's athletic facilities, is pretty amazing (and a step up from the press facilities at Lake Myrtle Park). McKethan Stadium more closely resembles a Double-A or Triple-A ballpark, certainly on par or better than the San Antonio Missions (AA) or now defunct Wichita Wranglers (AA).

March 8, 2010 - Gainesville, Fla.

I first saw palm trees on a baseball field as a sophomore in high school during our spring trip to Phoenix. It was a pretty surreal experience then, and still is today. However, like a slice of pineapple on a burger, it just fits. Great backdrop at McKethan Stadium with the palms and that mossy stuff from Deep South slasher movies (or Jean Claude-Van Damme in Hard Target...seriously, you tried to make him Cajun?).

March 9, 2010 - Gainesville, Fla.

Nerd Alert! Toshi and I had work to do Tuesday so we were on the hunt for a quiet spot to get after it. We landed at Smathers Library on Florida's campus. Tosh is getting ready for a motivation of sport and exercise midterm and I was trying to wrap up my game notes. Hitting the library on spring break isn't nerdy...remember kids, school is cool!

March 9, 2010 - Gainesville, Fla.

John Hines, the baseball SID at Florida, was super great Tuesday night when Illinois State matched up with the No. 6 Gators. Florida rolled out the red carpet for me and provided mini cheeseburgers for the pregame press box meal. I'm not sure who invented the concept of the mini cheeseburger, but I don't get it. I'm just going to eat three instead of one. My wife claims that little things are cute, that's why I like her so much. Anyway, it tasted good and I didn't spill on the Remote Mix.