Spring Training Baseball at its Best
Spring Training Baseball in the Cactus League is in full stride. With spring break comes many days of finding things to do and kids home from school. I have noticed the attendance at these spring break hideouts increasing by the basbeall fan every game. I had the chance to go out to a few games and see all the stadiums in the phoenix area. All the stadiums in Phoenix are within 30 minutes of downtown and truly worth the drive with different layouts, some lawn seating, and great eats.
Tickets will cost you a mere $6-$10 with parking anywhere from five dollars to free at some ballparks.  Spring training baseball is an attraction all its own with the loose feel of sports at a competitive level. You can lay out in the lawn seats or take in the breeze from the shaded seasts close to the press box, enjoy a drink, kettle corn and a hot dog from the comfort of your box It's like watching sports from your living room with players signing autographs during the game and conversations with the coaches sitting right in front of the first row. The kids bring their gloves for foul balls hit all over, and the players go al out trying to make a roster spot for the upcoming season. You can see all your favorite players on the practice fields next to the stadium prior to the first pitch and talk to them as if their relatives in this calm athletic state of mind. The stadiums are comparable and sometimes better than minor league ballparks with the Royals and Rangers featuring Surprise Stadium, matching some of the major league ballpark designs with an intimate feel. I had the chance of going out to the Brewers' Maryvale Stadium with their famous Klements sauage race at the 7th inning, loyal baseball fans and lots of lawn seating.Â
This was an experience amongst sporting events I truly treasured.  Hohokam Park, home to the Cubs is out in Mesa and brings together some of the best fans in the valley. Loyal cubs fanse move to Phoenix for their beloved Cubs spring training rituals. Well, next year is here and Hohokam Park provides great concessions with the Piggly Wiggly sandwiches, fantastic peanuts, and all the beer you can drink at a reasonable price. The fields give way to easy player access and let the players interact with the fans from the dugouts and after the game. I found it to be an easy ticket at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, home to the Oakland A's and Scottsdale Stadium, home to the San Francisco Giants. Both ballparks are cookie cutter spring training layouts, but Scottsdale is the only place to see Barry Bonds, where he crushes tape-measure shots, brings the fans to their feet, and refuses to travel to other sites for away games. The split-squad games aren't as fun where you are getting half of your favorite teams' players, but you are still getting alot for a minimal price on these great sports days of spring in the Cactus League.
I would rate this sports experience an 8 out of 10 and have it second to none on things to do outdoors for days off in spring.
