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We do not need robins or groundhogs to tell us that winter is just about over because we have “Pitchers and Catchers” which is the day that the first players report to training since the 1920’s when MLB teams started practicing in locations other than their own fields allowing the newer players to learn the roster and get a feel for their positions while giving the veteran players the opportunity to get warmed up. Since they practice on more than one field they get the chance to play each other and gain a little competitive feel during pre-season. This also gives fans a chance to get just a little closer to their favorite teams and players.
This means that baseball fans have a tendency to head to Florida and Arizona during the spring; basking in the sun and catching some top baseball action. Many of these stadiums are well located making it easy to stay in one location and still be able to catch several different teams.
You can check out spring training by visiting the Grapefruit League found in Florida or the Cactus League out of Arizona. Each team has what is considered a home field during spring training; in Arizona you will find them in the Tempe, Tucson, Scottsdale and Phoenix areas. One you definitely want to visit is Peoria stadium so that you can catch the San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners; or head to HoHokam Stadium to watch the Chicago Cubs.
In Florida the major areas are Ft. Lauderdale and Ft. Myersand down the Space Coast to Walt Disney and Kissimmee. Try staying in the central part of the state so that you can visit several different stadiums and keep in mind that many of them are “home” to two different teams allowing you to see that many more games.
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