Runners take part in a spring run at Clover Park.

PORT ST. LUCY, Florida. Baseball is back.

On Sunday morning, runners laced up their running shoes and went for the diamond at Clover Park, the spring home of the New York Mets, all for a good cause.

Over 200 people attended the second annual Swing into Spring 5K to kick off the new baseball season. Starting at the main gate of Clover Park, the participants ran through the local streets and practiced.
fields, before reaching the finish line on the home plate, symbolizing the beginning of the spring season.

The run is sponsored by the Hospital for Special Surgery and a portion of all proceeds will be donated to Girls on the Run, a non-profit organization that provides running programs for young girls.

Mets infielder Luis Guillorme was also present at the race, cheering the runners on and handing out medals. His father also competed and was one of the first runners to finish the race.

All members also received tickets to the Mets’ spring training game in March.

Guilorme says he can’t wait to get back on the field.

“I think everyone should expect an exciting season,” he said. “We have a team, not just as baseball players, but as people, it’s a great bunch of guys and I think it’s going to be a great year.

The first Mets practice for pitchers and catchers will take place on Wednesday, with full practice scheduled for February 20.

The Mets will open Saturday with a split roster: home against the Miami Marlins at 6:10 pm after playing the Houston Astros at the Beaches Baseball Stadium at 1:10 pm.

The full schedule can be found on the team’s website.