2005 MLB Spring Training

JUPITER, Fla. (BP)--With his 4-year-old son Blaise dying of brain cancer, St. Louis Cardinals’ minor league pitcher Toby Borland had just one wish.

JUPITER, Fla. (BP)--Cal Eldred grew up with five siblings, so he learned a lot about big families. It’s a good thing, because the St. Louis Cardinals’ relief pitcher and his wife Christi have five children of their own.

LAKELAND, Fla. (BP)--Church involvement during the season is practically non-existent for baseball players. So Detroit Tigers pitcher Mike Maroth wanted to make the most of the time he had during the winter.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (BP)--Chris Burke has done everything he can to win the Houston Astros’ second base job.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (BP)--Video games may be a popular diversion for baseball players when they're away from home. But for Houston Astros third baseman Morgan Ensberg, his free time is spent in more substantive ways.

JUPITER, Fla. (BP)--His teammates may be out after games going to popular night spots, but you won't find Florida Marlins pitcher Todd Jones there.

ORLANDO, Fla. (BP)--Florida Marlins pitcher Tim Spooneybarger and team chaplain Chris Lane are standing at a practice facility talking about family, dogs and the condition of Spooneybarger's arm, which still hurts after two years of rehab.

ORLANDO, Fla. (BP)--Chris Reitsma will acknowledge that baseball can be an all-consuming pursuit.