The Tampa Bay Rays hit the field today for their first actual game of spring training.

The Rays home away from home? Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Florida.

They are one of 15 teams getting ready for the start of the next season here in the Sunshine State.

The Geiger family, hailing from Clearwater and Illinois, say they are super Rays fans and arrive well before the game begins.

"I love to watch batting practice. This is the best part of the game," said patriarch Brian Geiger. "We enjoy it because we get to talk to all the players, and they bring the balls over for our grandson so we enjoy that."

It's true. The intimacy of Charlotte Park means more access to the players.

That's a plus for infielder Vince Belnome. Belnome, a non-roster invite for the Rays, says seeing all the fans at the park is awesome.

"It's all for the fans and the kids and to come out here and watch some baseball," said Belnome.

Belnome patiently signed autographs for fans leaning over a fence separating right field from a grassy incline strewn with lounging families, couples and groups of buddies celebrating the start of the season.

Outfielder Mikie Mahtook also practiced his signature on countless balls and hats. The Louisiana native has high hopes for the season.

"To come out here and have a great year, go out there and make the playoffs and hopefully bring home a championship," said Mahtook.

For some fans, describing their favorite part of the game is downright philosophical.

"Each pitch is a different opportunity, a different moment in the history of the game," said Joseph McMahon. "We're not defined by time like every other sport. We are defined by moments and pitches. Every part of it is special to me."

The Ray will play at Charlotte Sports Park through March.

Tampa Bay opens the regular season April 6 at Tropicana Field against Baltimore.

New-look team to start season with plenty of questions

The new-look Rays, with a new manager in Kevin Cash and a large roster shake up, begin a new season with plenty of questions.

Nathan Karns, who is in the mix for the fifth starter position, is pitching for the Rays today against Baltimore in Port Charlotte.

The Rays will also get a look at new players in infielder Asdrubal Cabrera and catcher Curt Casali.

Cash has said the spring will be give the team time to determine its middle infield, where a host of players (Cabrera, Tim Beckham, Nick Franklin and Logan Forsythe) are in the mix for the second base and shortstop positions.

Also, the team will get a look at catcher John Jaso, as he transitions into the designated hitter role with the Rays.