March 17, 2017 at 12:32PM

Spring training is a time for fans to get closer to their heroes. Access is easier, spirits are higher, and hope springs eternal. The games don’t count, and every team is tied for first place. With that in mind, The Globe’s Stan Grossfeld attached a 800mm telephoto lens to his camera and filled the frame. These closeups are a colorful promise that winter is nearly over and Opening Day is not far away. -- By Stan Grossfeld

Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts popped a bubble during infield practice on Feb. 24 at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers. (Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff)


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