After a few weeks of training in sites throughout Florida and Arizona, major league baseball teams have begun spring-training games.
The Tampa Bay area, a key spring-training hub for decades, features eight teams within an hour’s drive of Westchase.
For the uninitiated, here’s a primer:
What is spring training?
It’s the annual training ground for MLB teams in warm-weather sites — about two weeks of practices before a month’s work of exhibition games in March. In the opening weeks, the big-league workouts included 70 to 80 players, but the rosters will eventually be whittled down to 26 for Opening Day. The rest of the players will be assigned to minor-league teams.
What can I see?
If you get there early, you might get a great vantage point for workouts on the back fields. There’s the non-exciting stuff like stretching and running, but you’ll also spot pitchers throwing bullpen sessions and hitters taking batting practice. You’ll see a concentration on fundamentals, such as pitchers learning to cover first base and hitters practicing their bunting.
Will I see the big-time stars?
There’s a great chance. Superstars such as New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper and Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be getting their work in. But there will also be a mix of younger players and relatively unknown prospects.
How can I get autographs and photos?
The best part of spring training is the casual atmosphere. Players and coaches are usually relaxed and accessible. Hard-core fans relish the opportunity to interact with their baseball heroes in a setting that is much different than the all-business regular season. You’ll quickly learn the protocol. You won’t be the only one with this idea. Just assemble near the
area where the players are leaving workouts or heading into the dugout. It’s always best to have your own pen and paper or baseball card where the player can sign. Use common sense. Players appreciate patience and good manners. They also respond better if you address them by name instead of shouting out, “Hey, No. 20! Can you sign my cap?’’
Where do I go?
Here are the Tampa Bay area’s spring-training sites:
Atlanta Braves (North Port/Venice) — CoolToday Park, 18800 S. West Village Parkway, Venice, FL 34293. Phone: 941-413-5000. Website: Braves.com/springtraining.
Baltimore Orioles (Sarasota) — Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th Street, Sarasota, FL 34237. Phone: 941-893-6300. Orioles.com/springtraining.
Detroit Tigers (Lakeland) — Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33805. Phone: 863-686-8075. Website: Tigers.com/springtraining.
New York Yankees (Tampa) — George M. Steinbrenner Field, 1 Steinbrenner Drive, Tampa, FL 33614. Phone: 813-875-7753. Website: Yankees.com/springtraining.
Philadelphia Phillies (Clearwater) — BayCare Ballpark, 601 Old Coachman Road, Clearwater, FL 33765. Phone: 727-467-4457. Website: Phillies.com/springtraining.
Pittsburgh Pirates (Bradenton) — LECOM Park, 1611 9th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34205. Phone: 941-747-3031. Website: Pirates.com/springtraining.
Tampa Bay Rays (Port Charlotte) — Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte, FL 33948. Phone: 941-235-5010. Website: RaysBaseball.com/springtraining.
Toronto Blue Jays (Dunedin) — TD Ballpark, 373 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, FL 34698. Phone: 727-733-0429. Website: BlueJays.com/springtraining.
What else do I need?
Pro tip: Get your tickets ahead of time. Some of these games sell out. There will be a parking charge. Check out the team websites for more information.
It’s probably wise to bring some sunscreen and bottled water (although spring-training sites have food and drink for sale, along with a flurry of memorabilia and merchandise).
Want to meet a future Hall of Famer? Want to check out a hotshot rookie player before he makes it big? Want to get your baseball cards signed or make some unforgettable memories with your family?
Head to spring training.
It’s a Tampa Bay tradition.