Sarasota Signage: Defeat Obama in 2012

This sign--"Defeat Obama in 2012"--at a major intersection in downtown Sarasota, Florida, has stirred up some controversy, but the city attorney says that it is protected by the free speech provisions of the First Amendment. Local businessman Michael Fox is responsible for installing the sign.

Spring Training 2012: Quick Hits

                                       Sunset at Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Fla.

Tomorrow is U.S. Opening Day for the 2012 MLB season. With that in mind, here are some glimpses of our recent Florida Grapefruit League visit.

By the way, a warning to all the delusional or dishonest liberals that oppose photo identification for voting: Don't ever try to go to Spring Training. To get on a plane, you need to show your driver's license or other acceptable photo ID. To check in to your motel, you need to show ID. To buy tickets at the box office with a credit card, you need to show ID. And to buy a beer at the park, yes, you need to show ID. Get the picture?

Washington Nationals' phenom Stephen Strasburg deals against the Atlanta Braves at Disney:

Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers, the 2011 American League MVP and Cy Young Award winner, pitches against the Orioles at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland.

Phillies ace Cliff Lee runs to the dugout after the inning ends at McKechnie Field in Bradenton. Lee was the losing the pitcher in the game against the Pirates by a score of 3-2.

The  Boston Red Sox wore green to commemorate St. Patrick's Day in the their March 17 game against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith in Sarasota. Daniel Nava shown here blasted a grand slam home run on the first pitch of his Major League debut in 2010--only the second player in MLB history to do so. The split-squad game ended in a 3-3 tie.