If you are a baseball fan, these iconic spots belong on your roster.
Cactus League, Ariz.
With ten facilities hosting 15 Major League Baseball teams, the Phoenix metro area is a mecca for baseball fan’s as 200 games get underway soon. Families look forward to enjoying sunny days cheering on their favorite teams in a more intimate setting than typically found during the regular season. Scottsdale makes for a great Spring Training homebase as fans can catch the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium or the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields. All Cactus League teams rotate through these stadiums during Spring Training. Ask about free trolley rides and a wide range of packages designed to lure sports fans. Now through March.
For more: www.CactusLeague.com; www.ExperienceScottsdale.com
National Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, N.Y.
This iconic sports shrine traces the history and cultural significance of baseball through memorabilia and interactive exhibits. Stories from the game’s rich history are constantly added to keep fans connected. Learn about the men and women who have made their mark on the field, test your trivia skills and get inspired by the feats of the greatest who played the game. Youngsters under 12 and their families can visit the museum’s Sandlot Kids’ Clubhouse for interactive, youth-focused experiences.
For more: http://baseballhall.org.
Grapefruit League, Fla.
Beaches and baseball make for a winning combination. That’s what family travelers will find when they head south to watch their favorite players and prospects showcase their pre-season skills during Spring Training in Florida. Catch the Philadelphia Phillies in family-friendly Clearwater or be there as the Minnesota Twins make it happen in Fort Myers. The Atlanta Braves are part of the magic underway at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World where a roving emcee asks fans to guess the attendance for the chance to win prizes. The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches offers an immersive, up-scale experience, enabling fans to move through training fields and workout facilities before heading in to the 6,400 seat ballpark.Fifteen teams tune up for fans in 13 locations throughout the Sunshine State. Check the web sites for game schedules.
For more: www.floridagrapefruitleague.com
Big League Tours
Are you a fan of Fenway? Have you been to Coors Field or Miller Park? If the mere thought makes you smile, a Big League Tour might be a perfect fit for your family. Word is you’ll hang out with MLB players, get on to the field, inside the dugouts and catch a batting practice in the venues that continue to infuse allegiance to the game. Tours and vacation packages make it possible to hear the crack of the bat in your favorite cities.
