Spring Training 2026 - Day 53

 It was not a great baseball experience today.  After the cold front moved through last night, it was clear today, but much colder and windy. The temperature at the park when we arrived was 50 degrees with a 20-mph wind out of the north.  Not just where we sit in the upper suite level, but throughout the park, it was cold everywhere.  It was a shame as the St. Patrick's Day game always sells out, a lot of fans are dressed in green, and a happy atmosphere is common.

We lasted a few innings but even knowing what to expect with the weather and dressed accordingly, it was uncomfortable and we were cold.  So, we left early and returned to the RV after a stop at Walmart and warmed up before leaving for the Lucky Dill restaurant for our St Patrick's Day Dinner.

Day 53 - Phillies v Twins

The Lucky Dill is a NY Deli themed restaurant that always puts on a major St. Patrick's Day celebration starting about 3-days prior and culminating on St. Patrick's Day. They have a special Irish food menu and $6.00 draft Guiness Beer.

Due to the cold weather, all seating was inside.  In past years there was an outside food service tent, a walk-up bar and the Irish music bandstand.  With everything inside it was packed, service was slow, and even with our reservation, it took a long time to get seated.  The band was even crowded inside. The food was excellent, however.  I had a Pastrami Ruben Sandwich and Kevin had a beef brisket meal - and the Guiness beer washed it all down pretty well.

Attached to the restaurant is a bakery with NY style pastries.  We brought some home and we each had one for dessert.  That was the extent of our St. Patrick's Day Celebration, and we were back at the RV in time to watch the WBC Championship Baseball game.

Lucky Dill Deli

No baseball tomorrow. The cold weather, Florida style, will continue throughout the week with gradual warming into the weekend.  We have 4 games to go - Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and next Monday.  After that we will start our return journey on March 26th.