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What is Fall Instructional League?
Fall Instructional League, is a series of simulated games played under spring training rules to help younger players develop. Game are not reported, and there are no standings. Games are only played for bragging rights between the clubs involved and to evaluate the players. Fall Instructional League is also used to rehab players who have been injured and who are not ready to join their assigned teams.
Can anyone attend?
The games are free and open to the public. They are however, not reported, so scores are generally not posted here except when I've made it to a game. Please note that parking, concessions, etc., are similar to the Gulf Coast League as the games are played at GCL facilities and may be limited or non-existant. Don't forget to bring sunscreen because even if the weather is cool out, you can still get sunburn.
Who are the teams involved?
Each area of the country has different teams that participate.
In Southwest Florida, the teams involved (other than the Twins) are the Boston Red Sox, who play out of the Red Sox Developmental Complex on Edison Avenue in Fort Myers, FL; the Cincinnati Reds who play out of the Ed Smith Complex in Sarasota, Florida; and the Baltimore Orioles who play out of Twin Lakes Park, Sarasota, FL.
Are there player ages and/or roster limits?
None at all.
Can I listen to the games over the internet?
No. There is no broadcast of the games available.
Where are the Minnesota games played?
The Minnesota games are played at the Lee County Sportsplex on the Twins training fields in Fort Myers, Florida. Parking is generally free except for special events. To get to the complex, Exit 131 off I-75, west on Daniels Parkway to left on Six Mile Cypress Parkway. You will see the stadium on the right hand side. The practice facility is the building to the west of the main stadium, closest to Plantation Blvd. (You will see South Fort Myers High School just beyond it.)
I was there and there were signs that say "Keep Out!" or "Do Not Enter!"
Ignore them. Everyone else does. The signs are to keep people from parking in between the fields.
I tried to go to a game but they weren't playing or played earlier then listed?
All games are subject to change without notice and sometimes for rather questionable reasons. The league is very informal. If the visiting team doesn't show up, Minnesota may play an inter-squad game instead.
Where can I get a roster/schedule?
Rosters & schedules are available in the office, south of the workout building and batting cages. Updated rosters will also be available online as the season progresses.
When does it start?
Fall Instructional League begins September 22 and ends October 18 of 2008.
When are the games?
 Fall Instructional League Schedule
Note that while the schedule states that games start at 1:00 PM, I've never known the games to actually start that late, it's usually more like 12:30 or even noon. Camp Day scrimages may start at any time of the day. If you're planning on going, plan on spending the morning there if you really want to catch a game. (Besides, most of the very interesting stuff happens during drills anyway.)
Who's playing?
The Fall Instructional League Roster is currently available.
Participation is by invitation only. It's generally reserved for the top prospects from the rookie through High-A level although occassionally more advanced players will participate.
I have more questions!
Please e-mail me at admin@gcltwins.com and I will get to them as soon as possible.
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GCL Twins