Play Ball. It’s Time for Spring Training!

Ah, the weather has finally changed. Forget about those cold days with temperatures in the 60’s! Warm breezes and temperatures in the mid 70’s are the norm now - which means one thing. Spring Training in Florida has begun!



For decades, baseball lovers have been flocking to Florida to watch the boys of summer prepare for their upcoming season. Of course, baseball lovers do not just look forward to the baseball games. The fact that some of the world’s best beaches are located just a few miles away doesn’t hurt either.

Florida’s Grapefruit League is made up of 15 MLB teams, including the World Series Champion’s New York Yankees. Each spring training city has their own little piece of history with these teams. Some teams have spent time in a variety of Florida cities, while the Detroit Tigers have been calling Lakeland, FL home for over 70 years. Ticket prices range from $8 to $43. Food and drink prices are moderate to expensive. But, the experience is second to none.

Here is a quick look at a few of the teams who train in Florida.

• Detroit Tigers – For 75 years, the Tigers have trained at Lakeland’s Tiger Town. History runs deep here, even though the stadium was remodeled in 2003. Every baseball lover should see at least one game here - no other spring training town has such a long lasting relationship with a team. It’s not all about the game! Try the Dairy Queen Strawberry Chocolate Ice Cream Concoction sold here. It’s enough to bring you back again and again.

• Washington Nationals – Let’s be honest, the Nationals are not exactly the best team in baseball. But, they do train just 15 miles west of one of Florida’s most famous beaches – Cocoa Beach. After the game, talk a stroll down the beach or stop by the world famous Ron Jon’s Surf Shop. Ticket prices are reasonable, starting at $10, and parking is downright cheap at $5

• Atlanta Braves – Disney has gotten into the spring training business by hosting the Atlanta Braves at Champions Stadium. The stadium has all the bells and whistles you would expect from Disney. Guests do not just get to see a ballgame. They also get to see Disney entertainment and maybe a fireworks show. The best part – parking is free. However, tickets can be pricy and do sell out fast.

• New York Yankees – Tampa hosts the World Championship Yankees at Legends Field. The stadium holds over 10,000 spectators and usually sells out fast. We recommend eating before you come to the game. Specifically, eat at the La Tropicana in Ybor City. A Deviled Crab and Cuban sandwich should easily fill you up.

• Houston Astros – There is no “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” here. Instead, we sing “Deep in the Heart of Texas” at the 7th inning stretch. The Astros train in Kissimmee, Florida at Osceola Stadium, complete with a Texas sized boot at the entrance. It’s a terrific venue with plenty of covered seating and convenient access to Orlando attractions.

For more information about all 15 teams, schedules, and ticket prices, check out the following websites: www.floridagrapefruitleague.com or www.springtrainingonline.com.