Spring TrainingMarch 2, 2020
I have not done a blog for some time and decided it was time again to write something a little more light-hearted and less legalistic. My topic for this blog is Spring Training.
Since we are in February, the Cactus League in Arizona and the Grapefruit League in Florida are beginning the baseball season. This is an especially fun time to visit either of those states to get out of the cold weather in the Northeast.
But more importantly, spring training to me is a sign of renewal and optimism in spring. Combine these with the warm sunshine of South Florida or Arizona, and you have a winning combination.
Even more fun is the fact that spring training games DO NOT count. This means that the fans can see their players up close, and the players are actually able to practice in a live baseball setting without the pressure of winning or losing.
The optimism is also enhanced by young prospects who hope to make the team. Spring training offers an opportunity for many new players to show off their skills so that they can continue into the actual baseball season.
Moreover, the other fun thing about spring training is it precedes the actual baseball season, so at this point, everybody is in first place. It does not get much better than that.
So, with this in mind, enjoy the scores from South Florida or Arizona or better yet, plan a trip to visit your favorite winter resort with a baseball stadium nearby.
While I have never been to any Cactus League games, this may be the most convenient venue for the hard-core baseball fan. All of the teams participating in the Cactus League are in the metropolitan Phoenix area. This means that a fan on vacation can see a number of teams within a ninety (90) minute driving radius.
By contrast, the Grapefruit League is far more spread out. My personal favorites are the stadiums in Palm Beach County, Florida. Roger Dean is the home of the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals. This is a charming stadium that is owned by a local Chevrolet dealer.
Closer to my “home away from home” in Ft. Lauderdale is the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. This is the winter home of the Washington Nationals (incidentally, the current World Champions,) and the Houston Astros (the American League Champions). This is truly the home of champions in Spring 2020.
Also, in Florida, I have seen the Phillies in Clearwater, the Pirates in Bradenton and the Orioles in Sarasota. I understand the Yankees play in Tampa, and the Boston Red Sox play in Ft. Myers. Florida is a very large state, so each area has its own Spring Training Team.
To my blog reading baseball fans, enjoy the 2020 season and hopefully, your team will do well. And just remember that when April rolls around, all of our teams will start in First Place!
