8 Fun facts about ML Baseball Spring Training

8 Fun facts about ML Baseball Spring Training

This week pitchers and catchers report for spring training.  I get excited because the baseball season is beginning and winter is ending.  These minor league stadiums are a lot of fun to visit.  Enjoy these tidbits!

1. The Florida “Grapefruit league” and Arizona “Cactus league” are a 50/50 split which 15 teams training in each state.
2. Do you want a closer look at your favorite players than from your seat? Visit their spring training stadium where access rules are very lax.
3. George M. Steinbrenner field (Tampa) has the same outfield dimensions as Yankee stadium. It also sits directly across the street from Raymond James Stadium where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play.
4. Surprise stadium (Royals and Rangers) in Arizona has a merry-go-round in the right field concourse.
5. The foul poles at Phoenix Municipal Stadium (Athletics) were originally used at the polo grounds.
6. Fans attending Blue Jay’s games in Dunedin, Florida get to hear both the Canadian and USA’s national anthems. They also have Labatt’s beer on tap at Florida auto exchange stadium.
7. Bright House Network field in Clearwater, Fla. Caters to Phillies fans serving Philly cheese steaks and Yuengling beer.

In 2017 the “Ballpark of Palm Beaches” (West Palm Beach, Fla.) will open and be the new home of the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals.