Spring training in West Palm Beach draws autograph-seeking fans to the fence

At spring training in West Palm Beach, fans on the Washington Nationals side of Cactus Park rushed the fence to get autographs and selfies as players walked by, creating repeated chances for close, informal contact during practices and workouts.

The access helps explain why people travel from across the country to the Palm Beaches during spring training and why some visitors and retirees make it a seasonal ritual. Steve Hiller, a national season ticket holder from suburban Washington, D.C., said, "I see that that's got a lot of hits in it, man. That's what I'm hoping. Since I'm a season ticket holder up in DC, I've gotten to know some of the players. It's nice just to talk to them and ask them how they're doing. And, if they had a good year last year, tell them how much you appreciated it." Hiller spoke in the crowd during practice-day activity.

Families and long-time fans also described brief, intense moments when a player stopped to sign a shirt or pose for a photo. The Romero family had a 3-year-old whose T-shirt was signed by Houston Astro star José Altuve. Retired teachers and self-described "Astro superfans" Donna and Jan said they stay in West Palm Beach for about six weeks during spring training and follow the team closely, attending both spring and regular-season games.

Local tourism officials and business owners often cite spring training as a seasonal boost for hotels, restaurants and short-term jobs; the on-field visibility and player access help drive that demand. Observers at the complex said fans come for the baseball, seasonal employment and the atmosphere the events create across the Palm Beaches.

The coverage of activity at Cactus Park was provided by WPB TV.