By Tom 'Potsy' Patton

AFTER THIS WEEK at Chain of Lakes Park in Winter Haven, the Cleveland Indians will be breaking spring camp in Florida for the last time.

They will host Tampa Bay today and that will be the end of their 16-year stay here. Hard to believe but true. Their new training facilities in Goodyear, Ariz. will be ready for the 2009 spring training season.

It's kind of difficult writing what may be the last "Potsy's Porch" article. Reporting from the fan's perspective at spring training these last four years has been fun. My wife Anna Mary and I have met some great people, many of whom have become great friends.

To think we may not see some of them again is hard to imagine. Not too many are planning to go West next year, including us. Arizona seems so far away when we can drive to Florida in one overnight. But, you never know! That's a whole year away

Attendance this year at the home games here in Winter Haven has been way up, averaging about 5,000 fans a game. I think more people came this year because it was the last year for the Indians to be in Florida.

They also came to see the talented team that almost made it to the World Series in 2007. That winning roster is almost a repeat of last season with only a few players gone to other teams.

Once again this spring training season, the players have been very fan friendly. Getting autographs and pictures with them hasn't been too difficult. The players take time after leaving the weight room or the practice fields to interact with the fans by signing memorabilia and posing for pictures.

One player who really stands out in that area is starting pitcher Paul Byrd. He will stay at the fence and sign autographs or have his picture taken with fans until everyone has what they want.

One day I was watching the pitchers take bunting practice and a gentleman stopped beside me. He was pushing a wheelchair with his adult daughter in it ... she looked to be about 20 years old. The father called Byrd's name and asked him if he would sign a ball for the girl.

Paul came out of the dugout, right over to her, gave her a hug and signed her baseball. The man took a picture and thanked him for being so kind. He said, “You made her day.” But Paul said, “No I didn't, she made mine.”

As he walked past me back to the dugout I told him that was a class act and he smiled and waved a hand. Paul Byrd is a special person.

Well, the vacation is just about ended, and it's time to hit the road for home. Hopefully the snow will take a break until next winter and I'll see the green grass of spring. Of course, that means it's yard work time again. I guess vacation is almost over!

See you soon, back in the Valley, Potsy