HENRI

How did you get there? How long did it take, and how much was it?

I flew into Cozumel with a layover in Dallas. Took about 7 hours all together.  Cost around $350 R/T.  And the best part is you land right on the island.  Airport is no more than 15 minutes from any place in town.  And you don’t have to worry about getting a bus or taxi from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen and then schlepping to the ferry.  Easy Breezy Johnny Franzese. 

How much was the lodging?

I shared the most amazing palatial house with Aynz, Fanning and Craiggers.  We had so much room, I had to text them to see where they were when it was time to skedaddle.  We had the closing ceremonial BBQ and shindig there.  Was a huge hit.  G cooked and everyone else ate the food.  Craig bought the beer and I brought the atmosphere.  Holland even played guitar into the wee hours of the night.  There was even a meme created in the swimming pool that day, that will symbolize Cozumel Spring Training 2024 until the end of time. 

Was it easy to find lodging?

100%.  Plenty of places to choose.  From luxury condos to huge houses to flea bag hotels.  Whatever your fancy and/or budget. 

Did you feel safe in Cozumel?

Totally.  There hasn’t been a crime committed on the island since 2014.  Well that may be a slight exaggeration.  But it’s def one of the safest tourist destinations in Mexico. 

How did you get around on Cozumel?

We walked, took taxis and tuk tuks.  Very easy to navigate the grid. 

How much does it cost to get around?

Tuk tuks are like 3 bucks, taxis are 5 smackeroonies.  (No matter how many drunken fools you can fit in them.) 

How far is everything from each other?

Nothing is more than a 10 min cab ride away. 

Is it easy to get money?

Totally.  ATMs are located all throughout the downtown area.  But make sure you get cash down there, as they are limited once you get into the neighborhoods where the ballfields are located. 

How expensive was food and drink?

Everything is reasonably priced.  After all it is Mexico.  But there’s def a range.  You’ll pay a lot more for touristy cafes downtown by the port than you will a hole in the wall taco joint in the neighborhoods where the locals live. 

Overall experience:

This inaugural spring training was a win, win, win for everyone involved.  When Holland pitched me the idea after a trip to the island to hang and dive with Silverman, I knew it was a no brainer.  Having visited Cozumel a few years back to say goodbye to my ailing father, I was familiar how lovely and inviting the island was, especially in mid-winter.  My brother Elias lives there and I knew he was the perfect man to be our liaison to the local softball community.  He plugged us right in to El Presidente and we’ll never look back.  He also leads snorkeling tours and his wife books other touristy things to do on and around the island.  So hit me up if you’re interest in any extra curriculars.  Oh yeah, when we actually played softball on the quaintest little fields, we spanked to local ballers 6 out of 7 games.  Ok, some of them were more aged than, Holland, Silverman, Craigers, G and I but, hey, who’s keeping score?  In conclusion, this little thing of ours, in late Feb in the Mexican Caribbean is something I’ll be looking forward to into the foreseeable future.  Hope I’ve sparked a little flame in your heart that will inpsire you to join us.