Fans meet the TinCaps

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The crack of the bat. The smell of the ballpark fare.

"I'm a big health freak, I do eat healthy food, so I like that they have antipastos, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and a whole bunch of different things," said TinCaps fan Jon Rearick.

The fans are in the stands.

"I'm glad to see all the people who came out and got to see the guys hit a couple of balls," said TinCaps manager Doug Dascenzo.

After Wednesday's meet and greet, the 2009 Fort Wayne TinCaps are ready for baseball.

"As a staff we're just through the roof, the guys are here, players are out on the field, using all the equipment, all the things setup," said TinCaps Michael Limmer.

From the newest fan.

"One said how ya doin," said a young TinCaps fan.

To the lifelong fan, everyone is excited about this new season.

"The players, the players are just outstanding this year, we've got like four first round picks it's the best team they've ever had here," said TinCaps fan Todd Baumer.

But it's not just the fans who are excited. The players and coaches have waited a long time for this.

"It's about the kids playing the game on the field, and it's about the fans coming and watching them," said Dascenzo.

The fans waited in line to meet the players and get a few autographs, but this year they're also here to see the new Parkview Field.

"Got everything you need here, all the amenities, foods superior here, cushioned seats," said Baumer.

It's a big change for Fort Wayne baseball fans.

"It'll take some getting used to not hearing Fort Wayne Wizards anymore, but it's going to be really good," said Rearick.

The team is playing it's opening series in Lansing this weekend. But the big night is next Thursday the 16th, of course the home opener.

NewsChannel 15 will have complete coverage all next week leading up to the first game at Parkview Field.