Scottsdale Health March 2020

crazy 8s
A huge attraction for locals and tourists
alike, MLB spring training is taking over
the Valley this month. Beyond unparalleled
player access, intimate ballpark experiences
and an excuse to have a little fun in the
sun, here are some interesting facts about
spring training.
8 Crazy Facts
About Spring
Training
38 ScottsdaleHealth 03/20
1. Divide and concor.
Spring training is
split into two leagues:
The Cactus League
(Arizona) and the
Grapefruit League
(Florida), with 15
teams in each state.
2. Looking back.
The earliest records
of spring training,
previously known
as barnstorming, is
believed to be in the
1890s or earlier.
3. Sharing is caring.
Here in Arizona,
there are 10 “home”
stadiums, with some
teams pairing up
to share facilities.
The Cubs, Angels,
Brewers, Athletics,
and Giants are the
five teams that have
their own stadium
and facilities in the
Cactus League.
4. All tied up. Spring
training games can
end in a tie. While
good practice, the
outcome of spring
training games don’t
count toward a
team’s standing in
the upcoming regular
season.
5. Come one, come
all. While some say
that you won’t have
a chance to see
superstars at spring
training games, fans
may be relieved to
find out that players
of all types typically
make appearances,
from rookies to
superstars to veterans.
6. Ample opportunity.
Each team plays
about 28 games during
spring training.
7. Strict security.
Before attending
a Cactus League
game, check the
guidelines of what
you can and cannot
bring as items like
backpacks, hardsided
coolers and
plastic-framed stadium
seats are not
permitted.
8. Arizona or bust.
Six teams – the
Angels, Brewers,
Mariners, Padres,
Rockies and Arizona
Diamondbacks
– have never held
spring training in
Florida.