Warm weather, small stadiums, and autograph opportunities

When it comes to being a baseball fan, I’m a bit of a late bloomer.  I was excited as anyone when the San Francisco Giants won the 2010 World Series, but I jumped on the bandwagon so recently that my shirts practically still have tags in them.

My 9-year-old son is a whole different story.  Thanks to his father’s influence, baseball is pretty much his religion.  Which is why I decided to take him to spring training in Arizona.  Even if you don’t like baseball, Phoenix is great for spring break.  And if you do?  It’s heaven.

For a great trip, take your own baseball-crazy kid to Spring Training.  And take our advice too:

Catch a mid-week, away game

The best access to your favorite players, their autographs, and good seats will be at mid-week away games.  We saw the Giants play the Reds at the charming Goodyear Ballpark with just 4,000 other people.   Even the big stars took the time to sign autographs and chat with fans along the first base fence.

A weekend home game against the Dodgers at Scottsdale Stadium was a lot more crowded and a lot more like regular big league baseball.  In fact, there are ten stadiums in the Cactus League, so go check a few out.

About those autographs

Speaking of autographs, there are a few ways to get them.  Some parks (such as Goodyear and Scottsdale) will let you line up near your team’s dugout before the game.  Peoria Sports Complex (home of the Padres and the Mariners) has a specially designated “autograph alley”.   Another good bet is to ambush players when they arrive at their home stadium for practice on game days.

If you’re serious about collecting autographs, bring plenty of patience, fresh MLB baseballs, and a blue ballpoint pen.  Don’t turn your nose up at rookies either — they might be the stars of tomorrow.  Giants rookie Brandon Belt had plenty of time for us this year.  Next year, who knows?

See more stars

The Giants brought over 60 players to spring training this year: some stars, some rookies, some career minor league players.  Not all of them make it.  As the spring training season wears on, teams send players down.  They also play their starters more to get them in shape for opening day.  If you want to see more stars, go later in the season.

Don’t like your seats?  Try moving

Even in March, Phoenix can get unbearably hot.  If you’re polite with the ushers (most of whom are volunteers), you’ll easily be able to move to better, shadier seats.  We traded in some average seats for great ones right behind the plate twice with no problem.

There are no guarantees though, so bring plenty of sunscreen and a bandana or two to protect your families’ tender necks from the Arizona sun.

Do your homework

Most stadiums will allow you to bring in one sealed water bottle per person.  Some will let you bring food, but no coolers.  Some let you come in 90 minutes early to watch batting practice.   Others don’t.  All have family restrooms with changing tables if you know where to look.

Go to the official Cactus League website for detailed information about the teams and stadiums.  For more insider information, try Spring Training Tips.  They sell an e-book guide to the Cactus League, but have lots of free information too.

Where to stay

There are plenty of hotels to choose from for spring training.  Since you’ll wind up doing a fair amount of driving no matter where you stay, try to stay in Scottsdale.  My son and I stayed at the Scottsdale Homewood Suites and it had everything we needed, including a pool, a basketball court, free breakfast, free internet access, and even free dinner Monday through Thursday.

January 9th, 2012 | by Jamie Pearson 5 comments