By Jim Marshall
PHOENIX, AZ – Spring training in Arizona is rapidly approaching and we know that the most exciting words to a baseball fan during this cold winter in the Midwest and the East —okay, even here in Arizona, which hosts the Cactus League — are ‘pitchers and catchers are reporting to camp’.
The Cactus League has a lot to offer to baseball fans and non-fans alike—young and old. Arizona’s spring training weather is fantastic, stadiums boast comfort and great amenities. Plus, there are great teams and rivalries — and more to add to the experience.
Report Date 2024
The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres will report a week before the other Cactus League teams arrive. This is due to the fact they will open the 2024 regular season in South Korea playing in the Seoul Opening Series. Those games are on Wednesday, March 20 and Thursday, March 21. Dodgers’ pitchers and catchers report on February 9; February 11 for the Padres. The rest of the Cactus League teams start reporting to camp on February 14 and 15.
Fifteen Teams
One of the best things about spring training in Arizona is access to some of the best teams in the major leagues. Fifteen Major League Baseball teams comprise the Cactus League, including the two teams that met in the 2023 World Series, the Arizona Diamondbacks and the (World Series Champions) Texas Rangers.
The other teams rounding out the league are the Chicago’s Cubs and White Sox; Ohio’s Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians; the Colorado Rockies; the Kansas City Royals; Los Angeles’ Angels and Dodgers; the Milwaukee Brewers; California’s, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants; and the Seattle Mariners.
Stadiums are Close
One unique aspect of the Cactus League is the stadiums are all within 50 miles of one another in Maricopa County. Some are as close as 15 miles from another. The Cactus League offers both day and night games. This allows fans to make their own doubleheader — that is, see an afternoon game at one stadium, then go across town to another venue to take in a night game.
Cactus League Rivalries
The Cactus League boasts a lot of rivalries with the Chicago teams, the Cubs and the White Sox, play against each other a couple of times a year in spring training. Longtime rivals, the Dodgers and the Giants also play each other — and they’re just as intense during spring training as they are during the regular season. The Ohio rivalry is alive and well in Goodyear where the Reds and the Guardians share the same stadium.
Arizona Weather
If you want perfect baseball weather, spring training in Arizona is where you want to be. The Spring weather is fantastic. Usually, the sun shines every day; there is seldom chance of a rain-out. Average temperatures range from the low 70’s to mid-80’s. However, remember the Cactus League is in the desert and temperatures have been known to hit 90 degrees in March. It is strongly suggested you bring sun block — though most venues have self-serve throughout the stadium.
Comforts of Spring Training
Spring training in Arizona brings comfort as well. Stadiums offer lawn seating, which is an option for families to bring blankets and stretch out in the outfield. Children can chase foul and home run balls while the adults relax. A new and very popular trend during the games is children getting a chance to play catch with a player in the outfield between innings. They toss the baseball back-and-forth, plus the fan gets to keep the ball.
Many of the stadiums offer full suites, mini-suite party decks, and a series of outfield terraces that create other party areas to allow fans to enjoy a wonderful game day experience. A big trend is having business meetings and employee appreciation days at the Cactus League venues.
Players Respond
Players are friendlier, more approachable, and more laid back during Spring Training. Baseball did an excellent job after the lockout, to make players, even the superstars, readily available. Additionally, the Cactus League has made that access very rewarding for the fans. Players take the time to interact with their fans whether it be for pictures, autographs or simply chatting with them.
Fans are Hopeful
Spring training in Arizona always sees fans hopeful and optimistic at a game. You will hear fans discussing the players and tell you they made the right changes for the new season. Every team is a would-be World Series contender during the five-plus weeks of spring games. and everyone is optimistic, during this relaxed atmosphere.
Non-Baseball Fans
Even if you are not a baseball fan, Cactus League games are still a good way for you to spend time with friends and family. Since games don’t count — except for bragging rights — you can talk with your friends while making new ones, local and from all over the nation—and maybe from other countries.
Don’t like baseball but your kids do? Take children who love the game to meet their favorite players as well as other baseball fans. Let them run around in the lawn seating area while you relax, enjoying your favorite beverage, taking in some sunshine, and soaking up our desert warmth and hospitality. It’s a great time of the year here in the greater Phoenix area.
Play Ball
Spring Training 2024 in Arizona is around the corner. The Cactus League season runs from February 22nd through March 26th. With over 200 games on the schedule, there’s always some great baseball to watch somewhere in the valley. It is an outstanding time of year to be in the greater Phoenix area. With that said… Let’s Play Ball!
For more information about the Cactus League and a complete schedule go to https://cactusleague.com/.
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