Since the Reds moved their spring training to Goodyear, Arizona in 2010, I’ve always felt the team was disconnected from the fan base during these six weeks.
We get excited with Redsfest. We eagerly anticipate pitchers and catchers reporting. But once the players arrive in Goodyear, it feels like they are a world away.
I've floated this idea in the past. I think it would be perfect, especially the first 10-days of camp, before games start.
What if the Reds made some of those cameras live and allowed fans to view them on-line on a daily basis? I’d call it: Cactus Cam
The Reds spring training complex has cameras everywhere. They record and track every moment. From bullpen sessions to fielding drills, batting practice and games.
Fans could go to Reds.com and click on viewing options:
Bullpen sessions
Fielding drills
Batting practice
Intrasquad games. Etc
The cameras would be live for a predetermined amount of time each day, based on that day's schedule. These would be static camera shots. No movement. No zoom. Just one view.
I’d love to include live audio. Nothing beats the crack of the bat and pop of the mitt. But I don’t want to infringe on the privacy of the players and coach conversations.
This would simply be a chance for fans to check in on what’s happening and get a feel for spring training.
I'm not even asking for access to watch spring games. Each game is carried on either Fox Sports 1360 or 700 WLW, already.
I thought about charging fans a one-time viewing fee, with proceeds going to the Reds Community Fund. But I think free access would be a nice gesture by the organization.
If most fans can’t get to spring training, why not bring spring training to Reds fans?
Just another idea. What do you think?