Autograph sessions signal D-backs' commitment to fans

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Each day on the schedule posted in the D-backs clubhouse there's a block of time carved out for signing autographs.

It serves as a reminder of the organization's desire to have its players interact with fans as much as is feasible.

"We always make it a part of our routine to go out along the wall," Arizona manager Kirk Gibson said. "If a kid comes out there, his ball should be filled up. They're important and we certainly take what they come here for into consideration. We want to make sure they have a good time here, and we want to play well for them as well."

Gibson remembers how his dad used to take him to old Tiger Stadium each year for Bat Day.

"It was a big deal to get a Tiger bat," Gibson said. "They were actually pretty cool bats, Louisville Slugger wood bats at the time. I can remember being in Tiger Stadium, way up in the upper deck of course, and people used to bang their bats on the cement thing, it was pretty cool. That's what we're trying to do. We want people to come down and have a good experience."

You never know what's going to happen at Spring Training. #DbacksST Photo Gallery: http://t.co/azg0ezBH15 pic.twitter.com/5XvCJl6GAq

- Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) February 18, 2014