GOOOOOOOOO Dodgers. That's what my husband, Wayne, and I cheered at our first major league baseball game at Dodger Stadium several years ago. The history, the crowds, the players, the Dodger dogs (well, maybe not quite so much), all lived up to our expectations. After a season of following the LA Dodgers, mostly on TV, by January of the following year, we were baseball starved. Maybe a quick trip to attend Spring Training Cactus League games in the Phoenix, Arizona could tide us over until the regular season? After all, Phoenix is just a quick, one-hour flight from our hometown of El Paso, Texas.
The problem was we couldn't imagine what the Spring Training experience was like or how to prepare for it. Where would be the closest place to stay in Phoenix? How much should we expect to pay for accommodations? Should we rent a car or use ride-sharing services? What would it be like to spend many hours in the Southwestern sun at the day games? How should we dress? Would food and drink be available at the stadium? The only first hand account of Spring Training that we had was from a chance meeting with a baseball fan on an Amtrak train. He described taking blankets and sitting on the grass with a picnic lunch. Somehow that description did not paint a picture of the experience we were looking for.
So we winged it. We flew into Phoenix on Friday, March 15, met up with family members from LA, attended a Dodgers game on both Saturday and Sunday, and flew home late Sunday evening. And what a great time we had. Here are a few highlights that bring back many pleasant memories.
 |
| LA Dodgers on the Field at Camelback Park Stadium |
 |
| We were joined in the stadium by many Dodger fans. |
 |
| A unique experience was watching batting practice. Yes! That is Kiké Hernández! |
 |
| Fans hoping to catch a glimpse of Justin Turner in the golf cart. He fooled them by holding up his own camera. |
I would like to share with other baseball fans my list of Do's and Dont's for the ultimate Spring Training Experience.
DO start looking early to reserve accommodations in Phoenix. Rooms are neither plentiful nor cheap. Many MLB teams train in the area, and their fans flock to watch them play.
DO rent a car if possible. Ride-sharing is available, but we found it to be more expensive and less convenient than a car rental.
DO take sunscreen to the park and apply it liberally and often. Very comfortable, casual clothes are recommended.
DO check the Phoenix weather before you go, but be prepared for a fickle March climate.
DO go early to walk around the beautifully landscaped Candleback Park Stadium and watch batting practice, even if you have to stick your nose through the fence like a kid.
DO buy tickets early on line. Both games we attended were sold out.
Do remember to thank the many local volunteers that make Spring Training a relaxed, festive experience.
And a few DONT's!
DON''T expect to easily get players' autographs. The line for autograph signing is long, and the park recommends that adults allow only children to have that experience.
DON'T go early to the park hungry. Breakfast foods are not available, except for coffee. And you will almost surely have to stand in long lines at food booths all day. Buying foot long hot dogs and frozen yogurt took us away from the action for an entire inning. But the food was very tasty.
DON'T miss going into downtown Phoenix. The nightlife is contagious. We had a great dinner at The Arrogant Butcher, even though Wayne had to eat broccoli instead of french fries for a side dish to his delicious steak. He survived.
We are looking forward to next year's MLB Spring Training, The experience is relaxing (who cares who wins?), the atmosphere is festive (like a big party), and hope always springs anew for our favorite team, the Dodgers, for a shot at a World Series victory.
