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THIS MONTH: Spring Training
Where to go for Arizona Diamondbacks Colorado Rockies Chicago Cubs Los Angeles Angels Milwaukee Brewers San Diego Padres San Francisco Giants Oakland Athletics Kansas City Royals |
With the Boys of Summer headed into town, we decided to feature baseball's spring training in this month's 10 Hours or Less. Spring training games are a fun, low-cost family outing right in our own back yard. If you go, be sure to take a baseball and a Sharpie - most players enjoy talking with fans and signing balls or baseball cards after the games.
Welcome back, It's Spring Again!
Yes!!! The signs of winter are blowing away. The month of March brings us the beginning of spring and with that brings us baseball. The American Pastime, a children's game played by grown men that has turned into a multi-billion dollar industry. All this changes for six weeks. The high price of tickets, the nose-bleed seats, and the over priced concessions are all left behind in the cities that play home to these major league franchises. The sun will shine on fields, the smack of the bat will echo, and the sounds of the game will be heard. Arizona is home to the Cactus League - the spring training location for twelve big league clubs.
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If you call yourself a fan of the game then this month is for you. Field
level tickets can be found for less than ten dollars and free parking is
available within walking distance of most parks. The parks feature fan-friendly
environments where patrons can even rub elbows with the players. The smell
of the grill fired up, the roar of the crowd, old-timers gather and remember
the stars of yesterday while talking about the chance of a pennant this year.
Fans young and old gather along the foul lines hoping to get an autograph,
a photo opportunity or even a glimpse of a star ballplayer. Cactus League
ballparks that feature lawn seating are loaded with families. Fathers line
the lawn playing catch with their sons and daughters. The parks are filled
with a local crowd along with vacationing fans who flock through the turn-styles
for a preview of their hometown team.
The month of March and Major League Baseball has turned many a person into a fan of the game. Spring training baseball rains foul balls throughout the stands. While working out, hitters during batting practice rocket balls onto the outfield lawn seating areas. Picture sitting amongst a crowd of around 10,000 fans, field level, able to hear the umpire call STRIKE!
Cactus League baseball is time of generations passing down the game to the next. The sight of a five-year-old with his hat too big and glove on, wide-eyed, staring onto the field so grand, with only tee ball experience could warm the heart of anyone. Spring training 2008 Cactus League baseball is a great time to gather with family and friends. An affordable day out for everyone, where some parks still even let you pack your own lunch.
Cactus League ball brings hope to many. The Arizona towns that host the clubs for six weeks enjoy the revenue. The surrounding businesses boom with patrons. The fans are closer to their team than they could ever hope to be at home in the stadium come opening day. The young ballplayers will be striving to make the cut and get a spot on a big league roster will be there. The aging veteran who will be beginning his final spring hoping to bring thrills one more time in his storied career will be there, too. The players who are returning from injury will look to regain their form; the returning National League Champs will be here looking to defend their crown. The fans wondering if this year will be the year their team wins it all. The game is back. Spring is here. A season is upon us and it all starts right here in Arizona.
Our town of Tucson has been host to Spring training since the 1947 season. In our own backyard, Tucson again this year will host the defending National League Champs the Rockies, Arizona's own Diamondbacks, and the 2005 World Champion White Sox. Baseball, fans, ballplayers, and everyone who works to make this all possible, I say welcome back! Here's to Cactus League Spring Training 2008, a great time out.
If you're going, for game dates and times please visit: www.cactusleague.com
Travis Kelly is a freelance writer and the Men’s Ministry Director
at Pathway of Hope Foursquare Church in Oro Valley.
© 2008 Good News Tucson™
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