Guides To Tampa Bay
Everything You Need to Know About Baseball Spring Training in Florida
During the spring, some Major League Baseball teams get to call Florida “home.” These fifteen teams are referred to as the “Grapefruit League.” Luckily, living in the Tampa Bay area, we are in close proximity to many of these Spring Training facilities.
Baseball has been a big part of my life for 19 years. My husband is a high school baseball coach and avid baseball collector. He played baseball from little league to college. We’ve been to hundreds of baseball games and my baseball knowledge is pretty extensive. I really do love the sport… But here’s what I want you to know: You don’t have to love baseball to enjoy Spring Training!
Here’s what you’ll love about a Baseball Spring Training:
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The practices are free
When the players report, they will have a few practices before they move into games. Practices are usually morning to noon. You can check out the practices and get up close to the players! If you have a big baseball fan in your family, this is a great place to go for a chance to meet a player or collect an autograph.
- Keep in mind: Some practice facilities are more fan-friendly than others. Most stadiums have several practice fields which require a little bit of walking. There are some places that just don’t give you much of a chance of interacting with the players. Bring water and sunscreen! Some places have very little shade and seating. You may not have easy access to a restroom! Also, the players and coaches are working during practice- if they decide to sign autographs, it will be after they finish with their practice.
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The travel is minimal
The Grapefruit League’s Spring Training facilities are up the east and west coast of Florida. We usually take a day trip but you can make a little overnight trip of it if you are looking for a mini-vacation!
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The size of the stadium
One of the best things about Spring Training is the small stadiums! Major League stadiums can feel overwhelming and crowded. Most of the Spring Training stadiums are about one-quarter of the size of their Major League parks! This means you still get the ballpark atmosphere but in an intimate and more family-friendly way. Be on the lookout for bounce houses, play areas, mascots, and foul balls!
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The chance for player interaction is high
Spring Training is a great opportunity to meet a baseball player! If you can’t make it to practice, don’t fret because you still have a very real chance of snagging an autograph at a Spring Training game! If you arrive early, you might be lucky enough to get a ball signed when the players finish up their warm-ups!
Guide to Spring Training Locations:
Atlanta Braves
CoolToday Park
18800 West Villages Parkway
Venice, FL 34287
Ticket Information:
(941) 413-5000
Baltimore Orioles
Ed Smith Stadium
2700 12th Street
Sarasota, FL 34237
Ticket Information:
(941) 893-6300
Boston Red Sox
Jet Blue Park
11500 Fenway South Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33913
To Order Tickets by Phone:
Toll-Free (888) RED-SOX6 (733-7696)
For Ticket and Other Information:
(239) 334-4700
Detroit Tigers
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium
2301 Lakeland Hills Drive
Lakeland, FL 33805
Ticket Information: (863) 686-8075
Houston Astros
FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches
5444 Haverhill Road North
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Ticket Information:
(561) 500-HITS (4487)
Miami Marlins
Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium
4751 Main Street
Jupiter, FL 33458
Ticket Info:
(561) 630-1828 or (561) 630-1829
Minnesota Twins
Hammond Stadium
@CenturyLink Sports Complex
14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway
Ft. Myers, FL 33912
Ticket Purchasing and Information:
1-800-33-TWINS (338-9467)
New York Mets
Clover Park
525 NW Peacock Blvd.
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
Ticket Information:
(772) 871-2115 or www.stluciemets.com
New York Yankees
George M. Steinbrenner Field
1 Steinbrenner Drive
Tampa, FL 33614
Ticket Information:
(813) 879-2244
Philadelphia Phillies
Spectrum Field
601 N. Old Coachman Road
Clearwater, FL 33765
Ticket Information:
(727) 467-4457 (GO-PHILS)
Pittsburgh Pirates
LECOM Park
1611 Ninth Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205
Ticket Information: (941) 747-3031
St. Louis Cardinals
Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium
4751 Main Street
Jupiter, FL 33458
Ticket Info:
(561) 630-1828 or (561) 630-1829
Tampa Bay Rays
Charlotte Sports Park
2300 El Jobean Road
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Ticket Information:
Toll-Free (888) FAN-RAYS (326-7297)
Toronto Blue Jays
TD Ballpark
373 Douglas Avenue
Dunedin, FL 34698
Ticket Information:
(727) 733-0429 or
Toll-free 1-888-525-JAYS
Washington Nationals
FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches
5444 Haverhill Road North
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Ticket Info: (561) 500-HITS (4487)