Detroit Tigers equipment truck arrives in Lakeland as fans gear up for an exciting 50 days

LAKELAND - The temporary transformation into a baseball town unofficially started today in Lakeland when the long-time tenant of Joker Marchant stadium arrived.

Detroit Tigers staff began unpacking the first of two trucks this afternoon. The truck was filled with everything the team needs for the next 50 days at their home away from home.

“You can see the energy, the excitement,” said Ron Myers, Director of the team’s Lakeland operations.

Although pitchers and catchers don’t have to report until Sunday -- many have already arrived.

And that fans know it.

“It gets in your blood to be out here,” said JoAnn Martine, who stood outside the player’s entrance with the hopes of getting Justin Verlander’s signature.

During our interview with Martine, the American League MVP pulled in for his morning workout.

Many fans have learned spring training requires a watchful eye and good timing.

The relationship between Lakeland and the Tigers has stood the test of time. This is the 76th year the team has held its spring training here -- the longest of any major league baseball team.

“We have a lot of Tigers fans that come here, and I think the economic impact of that is very beneficial to Lakeland and Polk county,” Myers said.

Some area hotels told us they are completely booked for select days over the next month and a half.

It happens almost every year. After all, many fans have made it tradition.

“There’s people still coming down, our friends -- we all get together and it’s like a homecoming. We all have the same seats,” said Liz Hausserman, who has been coming down here for the last 25 years.

There’s something about rubbing elbows with star players that never gets old.