The exclusive publication of the Cactus League
2019
SPRING TRAINING — GUIDE —
Arizona Diamondbacks Chicago Cubs Chicago White Sox Cincinnati Reds Cleveland Indians Colorado Rockies Kansas City Royals Los Angeles Angels Los Angeles Dodgers Milwaukee Brewers Oakland Athletics San Diego Padres San Francisco Giants Seattle Mariners Texas Rangers
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 | Play Ball Magazine
6
Welcome
8
Cactus League Volunteers
16
Cactus League Economic Impact
18
Spring Training Tips
20
Cactus League Hall of Fame Class
24
Cactus League Schedule
28
Arizona Diamondbacks
30
Chicago Cubs
32
Chicago White Sox
34
Cincinnati Reds
36
Cleveland Indians
38
Colorado Rockies
40
Cactus League Timeline
42
Kansas City Royals
44
Los Angeles Angels
46
Los Angeles Dodgers
48
Milwaukee Brewers
50
Oakland Athletics
52
San Diego Padres
54
San Francisco Giants
56
Seattle Mariners
58
Texas Rangers
60
Cactus League Stadiums
Open Now at MIM! From earliest imagination to musical revolution, these are the instruments that electrified the world. @MIMphx
INVENTING AN AMERIC AN ICON
Presenting sponsor
Sponsored by
MIM.org | Open Daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ
President and CEO: Michael Atkinson Publisher: Cheryl Green Vice president of operations: Audrey Webb EDITORIAL Editor in chief: Michael Gossie Associate editors: Steve Burks | Alyssa Tufts Contributing writers: Jordan Kaye | Meg Krivanec | Jeff A. Meyer ART Art director: Mike Mertes Design director: Bruce Andersen MARKETING/EVENTS Marketing & events manager: Cristal Rodriguez Marketing specialist: Gloria Del Grosso Marketing designer: Patrick Griffin OFFICE Special projects manager: Sara Fregapane Database solutions manager: Amanda Bruno PLAY BALL | EXPERIENCE ARIZONA Director of sales: Donna Roberts AZ BUSINESS MAGAZINE Senior account manager: David Harken Account managers: April Rice | Kim Bailey AZ BUSINESS ANGELS AZ BUSINESS LEADERS Director of sales: Sheri Brown HOME & DESIGN AZRE | ARIZONA COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Director of sales: Ann McSherry RANKING ARIZONA Director of sales: Sheri King
3101 N. Central Avenue, Suite 1070 Phoenix, Arizona 85012 (602) 277-6045 azBIGmedia.com
4 | Play Ball Magazine
Take Me Out To The Mountains 8658 E Shea Blvd. | (480) 857-2477 NW Corner of the 101 & Shea in Scottsdale justroughinit.com Outdoor Gear, Apparel & Footwear 181085 TC Play Ball GolfSpaDiscount.qxp_Layout 1 12/20/18 12:08 PM Page 1
20%* Off Present this ad & receive
TEE TIMES & SPA SERVICES
Offer expires March 30, 2019. Based on availability. Discount does not include retail products. Other restrictions apply.
When considering resorts in Phoenix, Tapatio Cliffs sets the standard in beauty, service & convenience.
We’re a great central location to all 10 Cactus League Spring Training facilities!
602.866.6356 Play the highest tee in Phoenix!
602.375.4645
Feel delicious from head to toe!
11111 North 7th Street | Phoenix, Arizona | 85020 | 602.866.7500 | tapatiocliffshilton.com
Play Ball Magazine | 5
CactusLeague.com
The Cactus League
Welcomes You! O
n behalf of the Cactus League, welcome to the beautiful state of Arizona and the 2019 Spring Training season. We are grateful to the Major League Baseball fans flocking to ballparks across Maricopa County this spring, especially our out-of-state visitors. (Don’t forget the sunscreen!) Visitors and residents alike know that there is no place like Arizona in the spring. Arizona’s 15 Cactus League clubs drew a total of 1,796,403 fans last season. With 6 out of 10 fans traveling from out of state, the Cactus League has become a significant tourism driver in Arizona. The spinning turnstiles are proof that the Cactus League is big business in Arizona. In 2018, the Cactus League generated $644 million in economic impact, according to a study by Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business. The study also found that the Cactus League created 6,439 annual jobs paying $224.6 million and directly generated a total of $31.9 million in taxes for the state ($24.2 million) and local governments ($7.7 million). The Cactus League is a baseball paradise. With all 10 ballparks within an hour of each other, fans can easily follow their favorite teams on the road and sample the league’s unique ballparks. And visitors will discover plenty of things to do before and after the game; the Valley of the Sun offers first-class hotels, restaurants and nightlife as well as outdoor recreation for every fitness level. It’s easy to see why generations of baseball fans have fallen in love with spring training in Arizona. With the help of numerous booster organizations and host municipalities, the Cactus League works to provide the best possible experience for the teams and their fans. The booster groups collectively contribute nearly 90,000 volunteer hours to help you enjoy your day at the ballpark — please take a moment and say hello, because it means the world to these friendly, community-minded folks. I also wish to thank Arizona Governor Doug Ducey and the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority for providing the leadership to ensure that our facilities remain state-of-the-art. Finally, I salute Play Ball Magazine, a valued partner in preserving the tradition of spring training. Play Ball Magazine is the go-to source for all things Cactus League and a corporate partner that provides a strong voice for spring training in Arizona. Thank you for your support of the Cactus League. I hope that you will treasure your memories of the Grand Canyon State. Play Ball!
Jeff A. Meyer Cactus League President 6 | Play Ball Magazine
AMPLIFY YOUR GAME
2
$
DRAFT BEER
WITH SAME-DAY TICKET STUB*
Talking Stick Resort offers Spring Training excitement, thrilling 24/7 gaming and awardwinning dining just minutes from Cactus League stadiums. For a break from the action, relax in a spa that features breathtaking desert views or in our luxurious accommodations. No matter what you crave, find it at Scottsdale’s top entertainment destination. • Award of Excellence by Travelocity • Best Casino by Phoenix New Times • Best Restaurant View at Dusk (Orange Sky) by AZCentral
FREE SHUTTLE TO SALT RIVER FIELDS
101 & TALKING STICK WAY | SCOTTSDALE | 866.877.9897 | TALKINGSTICKRESORT.COM *Eligibility restrictions apply. Ticket must be presented the same day as athletic event. Limit one per person per day. Must be 21 or older. Management reserves the right to modify or cancel this promotion at any time. Locally owned and caringly operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
8 | Play Ball Magazine
DIAMOND DWELLERS Stadium volunteers provide a home run fan experience
By Alyssa Tufts
B
aseball. Food. Friends and family. Sunshine — sounds like a perfect way to spend a spring day in Arizona. Luckily for Arizonans and visitors, that time of year is here; infamous Spring Training.
The nice Arizona weather, tasty food, seeing family and friends, and enjoying the look of the manicured baseball diamond are part of the Spring Training experience, but there’s much more to a great Spring Training game than the game itself. Ask baseball enthusiasts and chances are they’ll tell you an experience about going to a game, interacting with staff and volunteers, bonding with friends and family and seeing one of their favorite teams in action before the baseball season begins. That experience starts with a friendly face at the gate and the ticket counters, assistance with choosing the best food and drink to enjoy while taking in the Arizona rays, helping you find your seat (and your way back if you get lost easy) all with a friendly smile. A truly memorable experience at the ballpark during Spring Training is partly credit to volunteers that make each game day special. In 2018, a total of 1,944 volunteers assisted at stadiums, dedicating 90,000 total hours, and raised $2,605,000 in annual giving — a majority of which is distributed to community youth organizations, programs, sports and academic scholarships and public education. Not only do volunteers assist with game day operations, but they interact with fans by sharing an enthusiasm of baseball and as ambassadors of the teams who play where they volunteer. Some
volunteers have gained recognition and are simply known as the Yellow Shirts or the Surprise Sundancers at Surprise Stadium, or Red Shirts as part of the Peoria Diamond Club at Peoria Sports Complex. The Surprise Sundancers were founded in 2002, and are the Spring Training volunteer organization for the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers who play at Surprise Stadium. With over 750 active members and around 200 volunteers at each Spring Training game, Travis Ashby, sports and tourism supervisor at City of Surprise, says the large number of volunteers can answer questions and provide a great experience for guests. “There’s 200 people that love the stadium just as much as I do and they are able to portray that to our guests coming in,” Ashby says. “They do a wonderful job showing their enthusiasm and passion for the stadium and the game of baseball itself, so I think that’s something that’s pretty unique. You come in the gates and you’re going to see yellow shirts everywhere and they’re willing to help you and make sure you have a great time.” The Sundancers have an array of tasks which include helping manage the organization such as scheduling during Spring Training season, and operating any aspect of the stadium you touch, says Ashby. This includes parking, getting tickets from will call, getting tickets taken at the gate, ushers that show you to your seat and shuttle and wheelchair divisions. Ashby says the Sundancers enjoy various positions depending on each of their personalities. “That’s what I think is fun about the Sundancers is we have so many different areas that fit the different Play Ball Magazine | 9
“I’m always excited to get back into Spring Training. I absolutely love the fact that people plan their entire year around coming to our ballpark.” Travis Ashby, sports and tourism supervisor at City of Surprise
personalities and people can get out of the experience what they want to get out of it. We have the ushers, and they build these wonderful, unique relationships with our season ticket holders, where they have inside jokes and when they see each other after 11 months it’s like a family reunion. They know about each other’s families and where they went on vacation in the summertime, so from that aspect I think it’s really cool that they can have a personal relationship with our guest. On the flip side of that, in our wheelchair division, they’re helping people get to their seats to experience the ballpark...and the volunteers do a great job of making our guests feel welcome, it’s something we provide to make sure they have a good experience that’s not equal to anything else.” That unique experience didn’t go unnoticed—Surprise Stadium was ranked #1 in 2018 out of the 10 Cactus League venues in Arizona by ReviewTrackers’ “The Voice of the Fan” study published by USA Today in family friendliness, facility, food and fan experience. “From our perspective, once you’re up on that pedestal, you are held to a higher standard, and I think that’s where the Sundancers come in as well, because they’ve become ambassadors of the stadium here. They are affectionately known as the Yellow Shirts, everyone that comes into the ballpark won’t really understand the Sundancer name, they’re just the Yellow Shirts, but they have a big part of that ranking for the #1 fan experience.” “I’m always excited to get back into Spring Training. I absolutely love the fact that people plan their entire year around coming to our ballpark,” Ashby says. “If I go out to Kansas City or Texas for fan fest, I ask people if they’ve ever been to Surprise, Arizona for Spring Training, and they reply, ‘No, but it’s on my bucket list.’ So I communicate that with the volunteers, we are up there with top destinations in the world and that we are part of people’s bucket lists they want to experience. I think that’s something I look forward to every year is making sure that we can fulfill that.” Established in 1993, the Peoria Diamond Club (PDC) is the volunteer organization for the Peoria Sports Complex, the Spring Training home of the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners. PDC has about 135 volunteers on game days that assist with ushering, ticket scanning, parking operations, guest services and distribution of score cards, says Erin Shreenan, general manager, Peoria Diamond Club. “Our largest pool is the ushers, they love being able to not only direct newcomers and help give information, but also thoroughly enjoy interacting with all of the fans.” Shreenan says, “the Red Shirts provide a valuable workforce that is necessary for the Spring Training experience to run as smoothly 10 | Play Ball Magazine
as possible,” in addition to being friendly and welcoming all fans and providing extras such as complimentary score cards, balls and other goodies to families on the practice fields. “Our volunteers’ enthusiasm for baseball and interacting with people leads to a very friendly and welcoming environment for fans, from first-time visitors to the long-time season ticket holders,” Shreenan says. “So many of our Red Shirts go out of their way to ensure the best possible service for fans, from giving advice to autograph seekers, giving foul balls to nearby kids, offering wheelchair assistance, to relocating guests in need of shade.” Celebrating 10 years in 2019, about 30 volunteers assist on game days at Goodyear Ballpark as ushers, ticket takers and guest services representatives that may assist fans needing wheelchairs as well as answering questions and handing out promotional or informational items to fans as they enter/leave the ballpark, says Debbie Diveney, marketing and business operations, Goodyear Ballpark. Diveney says each volunteer is different and wants to be part of fans’ game day experience in different ways. “Some like ticket taking because they greet excited fans at the gates when they come in; ushers enjoy helping and talking to guests throughout the game. We added a life-size map on the concourse last year and had fans place colored dots on it to designate which team they were here to watch (blue = Indians; red = Reds; white = all other teams) and where they came from. Some volunteers requested that area because they were able to talk to numerous fans about where they grew up, lived, etc. It was a nice way to interact with our guests.” Part of what makes the volunteers an integral part of the team at Goodyear Ballpark Diveney says is their warm, friendly smiles and a willingness to help and their role as ambassadors of the Indians, Reds and the game of baseball. “Our volunteers care so much about what they do, they take ownership over their respective areas. We see many of the same faces from year to year, and our regular fan base knows them. They have a genuine interest in how the ballpark operates and the overall fan experience, and really provide us with friendly and reliable assistance in key areas of our operation,” Diveney says. “They enjoy talking about ‘home’ with our visiting fans, when they find out they are from the same area of Ohio, etc. Our volunteer badges display their hometowns, so they are great conversation starters. We have one volunteer usher who likes to start the wave in his section.” When you visit one or many ballparks this Spring Training season, be sure to say hi to some volunteers, they’ll greet you with a smile and are sure to start a conversation. The topic? Baseball is always a home run.
make your next adventure a legendary
.
home run
Photo by Arizona State Parks
EXPLORECOCHISE.COM TOMBSTONE • WILLCOX • BENSON • BISBEE • DOUGLAS • SIERRA VISTA Play Ball Magazine | 11
VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS AT CACTUS LEAGUE VENUES Camelback Ranch-Glendale, Maryvale Stadium and Scottsdale Stadium Volunteers for Camelback Ranch-Glendale, the Spring Training home of the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers; Maryvale Stadium hosts Spring Training for the Milwaukee Brewers; and Scottsdale Stadium, Spring Training home to the San Francisco Giants are organized by hospitality company, Delaware North. On game days, 80-120 volunteers assist at each of the stadiums in food and beverage operations from inventory, cooking, serving and cleaning. All group volunteers attend customer service training, responsible alcohol service training and food safety training to ensure positive interactions with fans and contribute to a memorable game day experience. Volunteers are well-acquainted with the facility and can direct guests and work well as a team, says Walt Farris, general manager, Glendale Sportservice. The volunteers raise money for charity and want to deliver a memorable experience to guests. Goodyear Ballpark Spring Training home of the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds, Goodyear Ballpark has about 30 volunteers at each game that assist with ushering, ticket taking and guest services. Ushers assist guests in finding their seats, ticket takers scan tickets as guests arrive through the gates and guest services representatives assist fans needing wheelchairs from the gates to their seats and back, answer questions and hand out promotional or informational items to fans as they enter and/or leave the ballpark.
12 | Play Ball Magazine
Peoria Sports Complex Established in 1993, the Peoria Diamond Club (PDC), is a nonprofit organization whose volunteers participate in the daily operation of the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres Spring Training at the Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria. The PDC also hosts special events and programs throughout the year to benefit local youth charities and has over 600 volunteer members. On game days, the PDC, otherwise known as the Red Shirts, has about 135 volunteers that assist fans in the areas of guest services, hospitality, office, parking, ushering and ticket taking. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick Hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies for Spring Training, Salt River Fields has about 50 seasonal workers on game days that help ensure smooth game day operations. As Guest Service Agents (GSAs), seasonal workers are stationed at each section throughout the stadium and responsibilities include welcoming guests and helping them find their seats. Other GSAs are stationed on the concourse at information desks to help guests with any questions, and on three different patios to assist with company outings; on grass berms in the outfield volunteers also help guests with any questions or needs. Many GSAs are retired and some travel from Colorado and the Midwest to be a part of Spring Training. Sloan Park and Hohokam Park Sloan Park in Mesa hosts Spring Training for the Chicago Cubs and Hohokam Stadium in Mesa hosts Spring Training for the Oakland Athletics. The Mesa Hohokams are a group of civic volunteers dedicated to raising funds for local charities and youth sports pro-
grams, and coordinate volunteers for Spring Training at each of the venues in Mesa. On game days, about 150 volunteers assist at Sloan Park and 50 volunteers assist at Hohokam Park with tasks including parking, gate entry, selling programs and ushering. Their volunteers are outgoing and answer fans’ questions, hand out baseballs, and the Mesa Hohokams partner with each team to ensure a positive experience for Cubs, Athletics and baseball fans alike. Surprise Stadium The Surprise Sundancers are the volunteer organization for Surprise Stadium, Spring Training home of the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. Of their over 750 active members, there are over 200 Sundancers, or affectionately known as the Yellow Shirts, at the stadium on game days to assist fans with parking, ticketing, ushering and are ready to answer any questions. The Sundancers also provide volunteer services at the Surprise Recreation Campus and other City Special events; as a nonprofit, they raise charitable donations and receive contributions to support greater Surprise/Northwest Valley youth-related programs and projects. Tempe Diablo Stadium The Tempe Diablos provide and manage over 100 volunteers during Spring Training for the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. At each home game, about 60 volunteers and about 15 Diablos serve as ushers, ticket takers and provide parking lot assistance. The Tempe Diablos support the City of Tempe and the Los Angeles Angels by providing and managing volunteers during Spring Training, and their efforts benefit youth, education and the Tempe community.
ARIZONA'S
WORLD CLASS CRUISE
CANYON LAKE, ARIZONA There's a different kind of adventure waiting for you aboard a steamboat. See an Arizona rich in history, lore and legends. Cruise the secluded inner waterways of the “Junior Grand Canyon� on a Nature Cruise or Twilight Dinner Cruise. Bring your camera and binoculars!
(480) 827-9144 - www.dollysteamboat.com
Journey into the ancient past of Arizona and discover what life was like more than 700 years ago. Open Daily 9-4:30 Summer Hours: July 1 - September 31, Closed Monday & Tuesday Adults $5 Seniors (65+) $4 Children 12 and under FREE We are a pet friendly facility
1324 S. Jesse Hayes Rd. Globe, AZ 85501
928.425.0320 globeaz.gov/visitors/besh-ba-gowah
The most accessible ancient ruins in the Southwest
Photography provided by: Lee Kinnard and Rick Hossman
Play Ball Magazine | 13
Come explore under our wings! 350 Aircraft - 6 Indoor Hangars - Exclusive Tours Of The “Boneyard”
www.pimaair.org I-10 to Exit 267 - 6000 East Valencia Road, Tucson, Arizona - 520 574 0462 14 | Play Ball Magazine
CARTER’S Men’s Clothing
Samuelsohn ♦ Heritage 34 ♦ Peter Millar ♦ Johnny O ♦ Ballin Reyn Spooner ♦ Gitman Bros ♦ Samuel Hubbard ♦ Alden ♦ Olukai
5045 N 44th St, Phoenix, AZ 85018 602-952-8648 | cartersmensclothing.com Mon-Sat: 9am - 6pm | Sun: 10am - 2pm Play Ball Magazine | 15
IMPACT PLAYER Cactus League is an economic engine for Arizona’s tourism industry
16 | Play Ball Magazine
By JORDAN KAYE
S
aager Buch made his way to groups sitting on the lawns of Cactus League ballparks. One by one, he rattled off about 20 questions to capture information about how much they spent on their hotel, where they came from and the length of their stay. The junior research economist at the L. William Seidman Research Institute at Arizona State’s W.P. Carey School of Business had joined a group of other ASU students to repeat this process at all 10 Cactus League stadiums. “We tried to make sure that we hit every stadium at least twice,” Buch said. “It was funny. We had done it so much we all had our favorite spots. So my favorite spot turned out to be the lawn where people are kind of lounging around and having a good time.” Their goal: Collect a large enough sample size to ensure their study’s accuracy. By the end, the team had conducted these surveys 3,910 times – that’s 300 at each stadium. Once they finished, they went back to the Seidman Research Institute, logged their numbers on a spreadsheet and began analyzing the answers. In 2018, the Cactus League generated a $373 million bump for Arizona’s gross domestic product, according to the study. Spring training had a total economic impact of $644.2 million, an 11 percent increase compared to the results of a 2015 study that was not conducted by ASU. “These figures tell the story of Arizona’s awesome power as a tourism engine,” Cactus League President Jeff Meyer said. “It emphasizes just how important we are in this community.” Similar studies have come out from ASU before. The Carey school has produced the economic-impact reports from Super Bowls, Final Fours and college-football national championships that have landed in Phoenix. Unlike those, the Cactus League season is an annual event. Phoenix bids and hangs its hat on the acquisition of countless mega-events – as it did with the 2023 Super Bowl and the 2024 Final
Four, which will both be played in Arizona – but it doesn’t rely on landing one. Why? Because the state gets to host one annually. “This is like two Final Fours, and we get it every year,” said Dennis Hoffman, the director of the Seidman Research Institute. “It’s really on par with the Super Bowl. So when we have a Super Bowl, we have two Super Bowls.” Debbie Johnson, the director of the Arizona Office of Tourism, described the Cactus League as a “tourism driver.” For many who book their flight and hotel to attend Cactus League games, it’s a vacation. And with vacations comes spending. The W.P. Carey study found that a majority of visitors attending Cactus League games from outside of Arizona stayed for three to four nights, piling up a median spending tab of $405 each day, which was largely spent on hotels, food and drink. Attendance for the 2018 Cactus League season declined from the previous year as the schedule took a 24-game hit. Yet the average number of fans increased from 2017 – the 223-game slate drew a total of 1.8 million fans, an average of 7,710 per game. Studies like the one released Monday, which Meyer said they want to produce every other year instead of every three years, are not just a vehicle for good publicity, it’s validation. The Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority provides funding to the state’s municipalities to help each upgrade its Cactus League facility and to help ensure the numbers generated from the W.P. Carey study only increase. When looking to acquire financing from the state, Tom Sadler, the president and CEO of the tourism authority, can point to the study. “It tells a story of what it means for our state,” he said. “Should we need additional funding to do some things with Cactus League, I think it’s demonstrated very carefully and very clearly in that report that here’s the return on your investment.”
CACTUS LEAGUE ECONOMIC IMPACT Cactus League visitors spend an estimated $315.7 Million per season Here’s the breakdown: Lodging/Accommodation
$89.8 Million Bars and Restaurants
$122.6 Million Groceries
$22.3 Million Souvenirs and Gifts
$34.7 Million Other Entertainment
$22.4 Million Local Transportation
$3.6 Million Rental Cars
$11.5 Million Gasoline
$6.4 Million Other
$2.5 Million Source: 2018 Cactus League Economic and Fiscal Impact Report by the L. William Seidman Research Institute at Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business.
Play Ball Magazine | 17
SPRING TRAINING TIPS By MEG KRIVANEC
FAIR
You’ve applied your sunscreen, adjusted your ball• MAP OUT THE GAMES YOU WANT TO ATTEND. To get seats to the cap, grabbed a bit of cash and are ready to throw games you want to see, you must plan ahead. Some weekday games back a few cold ones at the ballpark. However, there’s are a little slower to fill up, but usually it’s not the case. a bit more to attending a spring training game than • GET TO THE GAMES EARLY. You don’t want to miss batting practice, you might realize. From etiquette to pre- and postand you want good seats and good parking. (Note: Some teams hold game bonuses, read these tips and tricks — just to workouts after a game, too.) ensure you’ve covered all your bases! • KNOW THE STADIUM. Is parking free? Do the concession stands accept plastic? Does the home team always sit along the 1st base line, or does it switch at so-and-so stadium? • HAVE THE SUPPLIES YOU NEED TO BEAT THE WEATHER: sunglasses and sunscreen. Sitting outside for a few hours can be hard even for a native Arizonan.
FOUL • DON’T ask for autographs if you are an adult. • DON’T call an ump a ref. We know football is still fresh in everyone’s mind, but it’s time to get your head in the ballgame! •D ON’T push little kids out of the way for a foul ball. • DON’T only go to games; Enjoy the rest of the Greater Phoenix Area while in town. • DON’T wear clothes or jerseys in support of a team that’s not playing. You don’t have to root for the home team, but it’s tacky to support one that isn’t even in the dugout. • DON’T interfere with the game.
18 | Play Ball Magazine
Play Ball Magazine | 19
Griffey Jr., Fergie Jenkins headline Cactus League Hall of Fame Class
C
reated by the Arizona Spring Training Experience and the Mesa Historical Museum, the Cactus League Hall of Fame “honors those who played a key role in the growth and development of Major League spring training baseball in Arizona as well as a select group of players who helped to solidify the league’s reputation as a premier showcase of Major League baseball talent and contribute to the league’s legend and culture.” The first class was inducted in 2014 and the five new inductees bring the total to 31 members, ranging from lemonade vendors, to photographers for baseball card companies, to players, managers, team owners and governors. The 2019 class was also a diverse group. The new members are:
BALLPARK ORGANIST BOBBY FREEMAN The keeper of one of baseball’s grand traditions, Bobby Freeman has provided the soundtrack to baseball in Arizona since making his professional debut with the San Francisco Giants AAA Pacific Coast League affiliate, Phoenix Firebirds at Phoenix Municipal Stadium in 1989. Freeman began his long-standing Cactus League affiliation with the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners at the new Peoria Stadium in 1994. Freeman has preserved the art of the ballpark organist for more than a generation and has been the official organist for the Arizona Diamondbacks at the team’s Salt River Fields ballpark since its opening in 2011.
KEN GRIFFEY JR. Ken Griffey Jr., known as “Junior” and “The Kid,” became “The One” to watch during Cactus League action. Bursting onto the Major League scene at age 19, Griffey Jr.’s bat and glove catapulted him to a career that was a throwback to an era of players who could do it all – hit, run and field. He spent 14 of his 22-year Major League career in the Cactus League. From 1989-1999 he played with the Mariners, in 2008 with the Chicago White Sox and 2009-2010 again with the Mariners. A 13-time All-Star, Griffey Jr. was one of the most prolific home run hitters in baseball history. When he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in 2016, his first year of eligibility, he received the highest percentage of votes in the Hall’s history – 99.32 percent.
20 | Play Ball Magazine
FERGUSON “FERGIE” JENKINS One of baseball’s greatest and most dominant pitchers of all-time. On a roster filled with diversity and a drive to win, Ferguson “Fergie” Jenkins was a key member of the Chicago Cubs from 1966 -1973. Fine-tuning his pitching trade in Arizona’s Cactus League, the 1971 Cy Young Award winner and three-time All-Star, attributed a big part of his successful career to training in Arizona’s warm temperatures. During his 19-year Major League career, Jenkins spent 10 of them in the Cactus League: 1967 to 1973 at the original Scottsdale Stadium, and 1982 to 1983 at the then-new Hohokam Stadium in Mesa. His 284 career wins, 3,192 strikeouts, 3.34 ERA, and 267 complete games out of 664 appearances are just part of his legacy. In retirement, Jenkins continues to go the distance as a strong presence and great ambassador for baseball during Cactus League seasons.
ROLAND HEMOND Executive Roland Hemond is revered for his kindness and generosity of spirit as much as his baseball acumen. He has served as a mentor to multiple generations of future baseball executives. Hemond’s 70 year career includes working as general manager for the Chicago White Sox (19701985) and the Baltimore Orioles (1988-1995). Hemond’s earned World Series rings with Milwaukee in 1957, the Diamondbacks in 2001 and the White Sox in 2005. A constant presence in the Cactus League, Hemond has also been credited with creating the Arizona Fall League.
ROBIN YOUNT Teenage phenom Robin Yount made his big league debut with the Milwaukee Brewers at the age of 18 on Opening Day in 1974 and never wore another team’s uniform for the duration of his 20-year career. He is the franchise leader in at-bats, hits, singles, doubles, triples, walks, RBI and total bases. Yount is one of only four players to win his league’s MVP award at two positions; at shortstop for the Brewer’s American League champion team in 1982, and center field in 1989. Yount spent all 20 of his spring training seasons with the Brewers in Arizona. His number 19 was retired by the Milwaukee franchise one year after he announced his retirement in 1993 and he was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1999.
TA K E M E O U T A F T E R T H E
BALLGAME.
Page Springs Cellars, Cornville
Start planning at VisitArizona.com/SpringTraining, and download the VisitArizona App for Android and iOS to customize your trip. Play Ball Magazine | 23
2019
CACTUS LEAGUE SPRING TRAINING BASEBALL SCHEDULE ARI - ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS – Salt River Fields
LAD - LOS ANGELES DODGERS – Camelback Ranch-Glendale
CHC - CHICAGO CUBS – Sloan Park
MIL - MILWAUKEE BREWERS – Maryvale Baseball Park
CWS - CHICAGO WHITE SOX – Camelback Ranch-Glendale
OAK - OAKLAND ATHLETICS – Hohokam Stadium
CIN - CINCINNATI REDS – Goodyear Ballpark
SD - SAN DIEGO PADRES – Peoria Sports Complex
CLE - CLEVELAND INDIANS – Goodyear Ballpark
SF - SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS – Scottsdale Stadium
COL - COLORADO ROCKIES – Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
SEA - SEATTLE MARINERS – Peoria Sports Complex
KC - KANSAS CITY ROYALS – Surprise Stadium
TEX - TEXAS RANGERS – Surprise Stadium
LAA - LOS ANGELES ANGELS – Tempe Diablo Stadium
Dates, times and opponents subject to change. See individual team schedules for game times and locations. (ss)=split squad.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SEA vs OAK
OAK vs SEA
MIL vs CHC SF vs LAA SD vs SEA TEX vs KC COL vs ARI CWS (ss) vs OAK LAD vs CWS (ss) CLE vs CIN
FEBRUARY 21
24 | Play Ball Magazine
22
23
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
LAA (ss) vs LAD CHC vs SF ARI vs CLE SEA vs COL KC vs OAK CWS vs SD CIN vs LAA (ss) MIL vs TEX
OAK vs ARI MIL vs LAA CHC (ss) vs LAD SD vs CHC (ss) TEX vs CLE COL vs KC CWS vs SF CIN vs SEA
LAA vs OAK ARI vs CHC SF vs CIN SD vs MIL TEX vs SEA KC (ss) vs CWS LAD vs KC (ss) CLE vs COL
LAA vs COL CHC vs TEX ARI vs SD SEA vs CLE (ss) KC vs SF LAD vs OAK CLE (ss) vs MIL CIN vs CWS
OAK vs CHC MIL (ss) vs CIN SF vs MIL (ss) SD vs KC TEX vs LAA COL vs LAD CWS vs SEA CLE vs ARI
MIL vs SEA CHC vs ARI SD vs LAD (ss) COL vs OAK KC vs LAA CWS vs TEX LAD (ss) vs CLE CIN vs SF
LAA vs CIN MIL vs CHC SF (ss) vs SD SEA vs KC TEX vs SF (ss) COL vs CWS LAD vs ARI CLE vs OAK
FEBRUARY 24 OAK vs LAA ARI vs SEA SF vs COL SD vs TEX (ss) TEX (ss) vs LAD KC vs CLE CWS vs CHC CIN vs MIL
25 LAA vs CWS CHC vs CIN (ss) COL vs TEX LAD vs SF CLE vs SD CIN (ss) vs ARI
MIL vs COL CHC vs LAA ARI vs KC SEA vs SD (ss) SD (ss) vs CWS (ss) TEX vs OAK CWS (ss) vs CLE
3 OAK (ss) vs CWS CHC vs MIL ARI (ss) vs CIN SF (ss) vs OAK SEA (ss) vs LAA SD vs KC TEX vs SF (ss) LAD vs COL (ss) CLE vs SEA (ss)
4 OAK vs COL LAA vs TEX (ss) SF vs LAD KC (ss) vs TEX (ss) KC (ss) vs SEA CWS vs MIL CIN vs CLE
10 LAA vs SD MIL vs LAD ARI (ss) vs TEX COL vs CHC KC vs SF CWS vs ARI (ss) CLE vs CIN
SF vs CWS SD vs CLE LAD vs TEX CIN vs COL
OAK vs SEA LAA vs COL ARI vs MIL SF vs TEX SD vs CIN KC vs CHC CLE vs LAD
OAK vs SD (ss) MIL vs SF SEA vs CWS (ss) SD (ss) vs CIN (ss) TEX vs ARI CWS (ss) vs KC CIN (ss) vs CHC
12 CHC (ss) vs KC SEA vs CHC (ss) SD vs ARI TEX vs MIL COL vs LAA CWS vs CIN CLE vs LAD
18 BOS vs. CHC CWS vs ARI*
27
19
28 OAK vs SF LAA (ss) vs KC MIL vs CWS SEA vs CIN TEX vs SD COL vs CHC LAD vs LAA (ss) CLE vs ARI
5
11
17 MIL vs ARI CHC vs SD COL vs CIN KC vs TEX CLE vs CWS LAD vs LAA
26
6 MIL vs CLE (ss) CHC vs OAK ARI vs COL SF vs SEA SD vs LAA CWS vs LAD CLE (ss) vs KC
CHC vs SEA ARI vs MIL SF vs CLE SD vs OAK TEX vs COL KC (ss) vs LAD CWS vs LAA CIN vs KC (ss)
7 LAA vs MIL SF vs ARI TEX (ss) vs CHC TEX (ss) vs KC COL vs CLE LAD (ss) vs SD CIN vs LAD (ss)
13 LAA vs CLE (ss) MIL vs SD ARI vs CWS KC vs COL LAD vs CHC CLE (ss) vs SF CIN vs TEX
20
MARCH 1
14 LAA vs ARI SF vs CHC TEX (ss) vs CWS KC vs CIN (ss) LAD vs MIL CLE vs TEX (ss) CIN (ss) vs SEA
21
2 LAA vs CHC (ss) MIL vs OAK CHC (ss) vs SF SEA vs LAD COL (ss) vs CLE KC vs ARI (ss) CWS vs TEX CIN vs SD MIL (ss) vs LAA (ss)
8 LAA (ss) vs SF CHC vs CWS ARI vs LAA (ss) SD vs MIL KC vs COL LAD vs CIN CLE vs TEX
9 MIL (ss) vs KC (ss) CHC vs ARI SD (ss) vs SF TEX vs CIN COL vs MIL (ss) KC (ss) vs SD (ss) LAD vs CWS CLE vs LAA
16
15 LAA (ss) vs SEA CHC (ss) vs CLE ARI vs LAD SF (ss) vs KC SD vs COL (ss) TEX vs CHC (ss) COL (ss) vs SF (ss) CWS vs LAA (ss) CIN vs MIL
LAA vs SD MIL (ss) vs TEX CHC vs COL ARI vs SF KC vs MIL (ss) CWS vs LAD CIN vs CLE
22
23
BOS vs. CHC CWS vs ARI* *At Chase Field
CactusLeague.com For ticket information, visit the official team websites.
24
25
26 Play Ball Magazine | 25
Arizona Diamondbacks WHERE THEY PLAY:
Salt River Fields 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85258 SEATING CAPACITY: 11,000 STADIUM PHONE NUMBER: 480-270-5000 ABOUT THE STADIUM: Located within and owned by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Salt River Fields opened in 2011 and is the first Major League Spring Training facility ever built on Native American land. The spring training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies offers one of the most entertaining and lavish spring training experiences. Enjoy a range of indulgent food items such as the Talking Stick Mega Dog, which features a half-pound, foot-long hot dog topped with pork and mac-n-cheese. There’s also the Cold Stone Kids Fun Field, where kids can pretend to be sluggers with a whiffle ball, and run the bases like a big leaguer.
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS’ HOME CACTUS LEAGUE SCHEDULE DATE TIME OPPONENT Saturday, Feb. 23
1:10 p.m.
Colorado Rockies
Monday, Feb. 25
1:10 p.m.
Oakland Athletics
Thursday, Feb. 28
1:10 p.m.
Cleveland Indians
Friday, March 1
1:10 p.m.
Chicago Cubs
Saturday, March 2
1:10 p.m.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Monday, March 4
1:10 p.m.
Cincinnati Reds
Thursday, March 7
1:10 p.m.
Cleveland Indians
Saturday, March 9
1:10 p.m.
Kansas City Royals
Tuesday, March 12
6:40 p.m. Texas Rangers
Thursday, March 14
1:10 p.m.
San Francisco Giants
Saturday, March 16
1:10 p.m.
Chicago Cubs
Sunday, March 17
1:10 p.m.
Chicago White Sox (ss)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Archie Bradley, RHP; Zack Greinke, RHP; Yoshihisa Hirano, RHP; Ketel Marte, 2B; David Peralta, OF
Tuesday, March 19
6:40 p.m. San Diego Padres
Thursday, March 21
1:10 p.m.
Los Angeles Angels
LAST WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP: 2001
Sunday, March 24
1:10 p.m.
Milwaukee Brewers
MANAGER: Torey Lovullo
*Monday, March 25
6:40 p.m. Chicago White Sox
TEAM MASCOT: Baxter
*Tuesday, March 26
12:40 p.m. Chicago White Sox
BALLPARK TRADITION: Kids can run the bases after the game on Sundays. AUTOGRAPHS: Before the game, guests can get autographs from the players between sections 101-104 and 120-123. DIAMONDBACKS’ 2018 SEASON: Celebrating their 20th anniversary season, the 2018 D-backs tied a franchise best with 53 first-half wins, highlighted by 17 series victories before the All-Star Break en route to an 82-80 record. Offensively, the club led the Majors in triples (50) and first-inning runs (129), while the pitching staff set a new franchise mark in opponent batting average (.239).
AFTER THE GAME: Feel what it’s like to fall out of a plane at iFly, an indoor skydiving facility, located at The Pavilions at 9206 E. Talking Stick Way in Scottsdale. 28 | Play Ball Magazine
(ss) split squad * At Chase Field in Phoenix
Chicago Cubs WHERE THEY PLAY:
Sloan Park 2330 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Mesa, AZ 85201 SEATING CAPACITY: 14,156 STADIUM PHONE NUMBER: 480-668-0500 ABOUT THE STADIUM: Sloan Park is lovingly called “Wrigleyville West” by Cubs fans and locals. This spring training facility opened in 2014 and offers a truly unique experience for Chicago Cubs fans. There are many homages to Wrigley Field at Sloan Park, from a replica marquee sign where fans can get their photos taken to the outfield berm that is shaped to resemble the bleachers in Chicago. The roof replicates parts of the Cubs’ home field in Chicago as well. Sloan Park is located near both the Pima and Red Mountain Freeways near Mesa’s Riverview Park, making it easy for fans to make the journey. This facility has been respectfully built for both the fans and players, so they can feel perfectly at home in the Cactus League. BALLPARK TRADITION: Fans love to sing “Go Cubs Go” after a Cubs win. TASTY TREAT: What better item does Sloan Park serve than the world-famous Chicago Dog? CUBS’ 2018 SEASON: The Cubs made their fourth-consecutive postseason appearance for the first time in franchise history, finishing the campaign with an impressive 95-68 record. After leading the National League Central for much of the season, they lost to the Brewers in Game 163 to finish in second place. The Cubs then moved on to the NL Wild Card Game, where they fell to the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field. LAST WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP: 2016 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Javier Báez, IF; Kris Bryant, 3B; Willson Contreras, C; Jon Lester, LHP; Anthony Rizzo, 1B MANAGER: Joe Maddon TEAM MASCOT: Clark AFTER THE GAME: Head east and walk through a 700-year-old Salado Culture pueblo at Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park in Globe, one of the largest single site archaeological collections in the Southwest. 30 | Play Ball Magazine
CHICAGO CUBS’ HOME CACTUS LEAGUE SCHEDULE DATE TIME OPPONENT Saturday, Feb. 23
1:05 p.m. Milwaukee Brewers
Monday, Feb. 25
1:05 p.m. San Diego Padres (ss)
Tuesday, Feb. 26
1:05 p.m. Arizona Diamondbacks
Thursday, Feb. 28
1:05 p.m. Oakland Athletics
Saturday, March 2
1:05 p.m. Milwaukee Brewers
Sunday, March 3
1:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox
Wednesday, March 6
1:05 p.m. Kansas City Royals
Thursday, March 7
1:05 p.m. Colorado Rockies
Saturday, March 9
1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 12
7:05 p.m. Cincinnati Reds
Thursday, March 14
1:05 p.m. Texas Rangers
Sunday, March 17
1:05 p.m. Colorado Rockies
Tuesday, March 19
1:05 p.m. Seattle Mariners (ss)
Wednesday, March 20
7:05 p.m. Los Angeles Dodgers
Thursday, March 21
1:05 p.m. San Francisco Giants
Friday, March 22
1:05 p.m. Texas Rangers (ss)
Monday, March 25
6:05 p.m. Boston Red Sox
Tuesday, March 26
12:05 p.m. Boston Red Sox
Los Angeles Angels (ss)
(SS) split squad
Chicago White Sox WHERE THEY PLAY:
Camelback Ranch-Glendale 10710 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85037 SEATING CAPACITY: 13,000 STADIUM PHONE NUMBER: 623-302-5000 ABOUT THE STADIUM: Camelback Ranch-Glendale, home to both the Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers, is situated in a serene locale in Phoenix, surrounded by citrus groves and the Valley’s gorgeous mountain ranges. A plethora of trails surround the ballpark, and there’s a fully-stocked lake nearby as well. When you’re not basking in the Sonoran nature, you can enjoy the Sox slug one out against other Cactus League teams. There are eight full-suites, four mini-suites, a press box, a suite-level party deck and a series of outfield terraces that create party areas. The playing field here has also been sunken 12 feet below ground so fans can see all of the action from anywhere on the field. In its eleventh season as the spring training home of the South Siders, the complex will add free public Wi-Fi throughout the stadium.
CHICAGO WHITE SOX HOME CACTUS LEAGUE SCHEDULE DATE TIME OPPONENT Saturday, Feb. 23
1:05 p.m. Los Angeles Dodgers (ss)
Tuesday, Feb. 26
1:05 p.m. Kansas City Royals
Wednesday, Feb. 27
1:05 p.m. Cincinnati Reds
Saturday, March 2
1:05 p.m. Colorado Rockies
Monday, March 4
1:05 p.m. Los Angeles Angels
Tuesday, March 5
1:05 p.m. San Diego Padres (ss)
Thursday, March 7
1:05 p.m. Milwaukee Brewers
TASTY TREAT: Get ready to loosen that belt, because the concessions at the Sox games offer 18-inch slices of pizza.
Sunday, March 10
1:05 p.m. Oakland Athletics
BALLPARK TRADITION: On Sundays, kiddos can run the bases after the game, and on Thursdays, seniors 55 and up can stroll the bases too.
Tuesday, March 12
1:05 p.m. Seattle Mariners (ss)
Friday, March 15
1:05 p.m. Chicago Cubs
Saturday, March 16
1:05 p.m. Los Angeles Dodgers
Monday, March 18
1:05 p.m. San Francisco Giants
Wednesday, March 20
1:05 p.m. Arizona Diamondbacks
Thursday, March 21
1:05 p.m. Texas Rangers
Sunday, March 24
12:05 p.m. Cleveland Indians
WHITE SOX’ 2018 SEASON: The White Sox finished the season in fourth place of the American League Central Division with a 62-100 record and did not make the playoffs. LAST WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP: 2005 PLAYERS TO WATCH: José Abreu, 1B/DH; Yonder Alonso, 1B/DH ; Eloy Jimenez, OF; Yoan Moncada, 2B; Tim Anderson, SS MANAGER: Rick Renteria TEAM MASCOT: Southpaw AFTER THE GAME: Check out the Westgate Entertainment District, a vibrant outdoor setting that delivers an interactive shopping, dining and entertainment experience. 32 | Play Ball Magazine
(SS) split squad
Cincinnati Reds WHERE THEY PLAY:
Goodyear Ballpark 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear, AZ 85338 SEATING CAPACITY: 10,311 STADIUM PHONE NUMBER: 623-882-3130 ABOUT THE STADIUM: One of the more unique ballparks, Goodyear Ballpark is home to both the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Indians. The modern facility is open, revealing Arizona’s big blue skies that make for the perfect setting to watch baseball. There’s a 360-degree concourse surrounding the field that gives fans a constant view of the game while they walk around for concessions. There are a variety of food options that will please any ballpark fan too. And the seats at Goodyear Ballpark, there isn’t a bad one there, as everything is in the lower-bowl. Grab shaded club seating, or bask in the glory of the sun within the park’s lawn seating. TASTY TREAT: Grab a bite of Ohio cuisine with the Skyline Chili dog, and be sure to enjoy the Bertman Ball Park mustard. AUTOGRAPHS: Get autographs at the team’s practice field in the early mornings or along the baselines 15 to 20 minutes before the first pitch. REDS’ 2018 SEASON: The team finished with a 67-95 record in the rugged National League Central Division. With a new manager and coaching staff, key player acquisitions and the continuing development of young talent the outlook is bright in 2019. LAST WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP: 1990 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Joey Votto, 1B; Eugenio Suarez, 3B, Raisel Iglesias, RHP; Tucker Barnhart, C; Jose Peraza, SS MANAGER: David Bell TEAM MASCOT: Mr. Redlegs AFTER THE GAME: Head over to ISM Raceway, which is the renamed and renovated Phoenix International Raceway, 7602 S. Avondale Blvd., Avondale, to watch some of NASCAR’s biggest names compete during the spring race weekend, March 8-10. 34 | Play Ball Magazine
CINCINNATI REDS’ HOME CACTUS LEAGUE SCHEDULE DATE TIME OPPONENT Saturday, Feb. 23
1:05 p.m. Cleveland Indians
Tuesday, Feb. 26
1:05 p.m. San Francisco Giants
Thursday, Feb. 28
1:05 p.m. Milwaukee Brewers
Saturday, March 2
1:05 p.m. Los Angeles Angels
Monday, March 4
1:05 p.m. Chicago Cubs (ss)
Wednesday, March 6
6:05 p.m. San Diego Padres
Thursday, March 7
6:05 p.m. Seattle Mariners
Sunday, March 10
1:05 p.m. Arizona Diamondbacks (ss)
Tuesday, March 12
6:05 p.m. San Diego Padres (ss)
Friday, March 15
6:05 p.m. Los Angeles Dodgers
Saturday, March 16
1:05 p.m. Texas Rangers
Sunday, March 17
1:05 p.m. Cleveland Indians
Tuesday, March 19
6:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox
Thursday, March 21
1:05 p.m. Kansas City Royals (ss)
Sunday, March 24
12:05 p.m. Colorado Rockies (ss) split squad
Cleveland Indians WHERE THEY PLAY:
Goodyear Ballpark 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear, AZ 85338 SEATING CAPACITY: 10,311 STADIUM PHONE NUMBER: 623-882-3130 ABOUT THE STADIUM: This ballpark, which is home to both the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds, has been voted as the best place to see a spring training game in the Cactus League in USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice Travel Poll. Located near the Estrella Mountains, Goodyear Ballpark offers some of the best desert views in the Cactus League. Here, you’ll be able to bask in the glow of Arizona’s inviting sun while also taking in the breeze throughout the open ballpark. Enjoy a variety of food and beverage options here too, from the local suds to the delicious eats. There’s also a sculpture of “The Ziz” standing 60-feet high in front of the ballpark.
CLEVELAND INDIANS’ HOME CACTUS LEAGUE SCHEDULE DATE TIME OPPONENT Sunday, Feb. 24
1:05 p.m. Arizona Diamondbacks
Monday, Feb. 25
1:05 p.m. Texas Rangers
Wednesday, Feb. 27
1:05 p.m. Seattle Mariners (ss)
Friday, March 1
6:05 p.m. Los Angeles Dodgers (ss)
TASTY TREAT: Get a bite of the Southwest from the taquito dog, a foot-long hot dog wrapped in a flour tortilla loaded with queso, guacamole and more.
Sunday, March 3
1:05 p.m. Kansas City Royals
Tuesday, March 5
1:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox
INTERESTING FACT: The name of one of the concession stands, Hanger 46, received its name due to the Phoenix-Goodyear Airport that’s located just behind the ballpark.
Friday, March 8
6:05 p.m. San Francisco Giants
Saturday, March 9
1:05 p.m. Colorado Rockies
INDIANS’ 2018 SEASON: The Indians had another great season, finishing in first place of the American League Central Division with a 91-71 record, but they were swept by the Houston Astros during the American League Division Series.
Monday, March 11
1:05 p.m. Cincinnati Reds
Wednesday, March 13
1:05 p.m. Milwaukee Brewers (ss)
LAST WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP: 1948
Thursday, March 14
1:05 p.m. Colorado Rockies
Monday, March 18
1:05 p.m. San Diego Padres
Wednesday, March 20
6:05 p.m.
MANAGER: Terry Francona
Friday, March 22
6:05 p.m. Chicago Cubs
TEAM MASCOT: Slider
Saturday, March 23
1:05 p.m. Cincinnati Reds
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Trevor Bauer, RHP; Carlos Carrasco, RHP; Jason Kipnis, CF; Korey Kluber, RHP; Francisco Lindor, SS; Carlos Santana, 1B
AFTER THE GAME: Enjoy some micro-brew at Saddle Mountain Brewing Company, the first of its kind in Goodyear and is just down the road at 15651 W. Roosevelt St. in Goodyear. If you’re lucky and it’s on tap, try a Taildragger Clan-Destine, which won a gold medal at the 2017 Great American Beer Festival, the world’s largest commercial beer competition. 36 | Play Ball Magazine
Los Angeles Angels (ss)
(ss) split squad
Colorado Rockies WHERE THEY PLAY:
Salt River Fields 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85258 SEATING CAPACITY: 11,000 STADIUM PHONE NUMBER: 480-270-5000 ABOUT THE STADIUM: Salt River Fields, which is home to both the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks, features many great experiences for spring training fans. The concession stands serve out-of-this-world treats, including a quarter-pound hot dog wrapped in bacon. The roof of the facility is unique, in that it mimics the traditional Native American ramada. There are sweeping views of the surrounding desert and a lovely lawn for fans to sit and relax on. Don’t forget, there are many other spots around the facility that are open for fans to stand in and enjoy the game from. TASTY TREATS: Streets of New York Pizza and Salty Senorita Taco Bar both have stands here.
COLORADO ROCKIES’ HOME CACTUS LEAGUE SCHEDULE DATE TIME OPPONENT Sunday, Feb. 24
1:10 p.m.
Seattle Mariners
Tuesday, Feb. 26
1:10 p.m.
Cleveland Indians
Wednesday, Feb. 27
1:10 p.m.
Los Angeles Angels
Sunday, March 3
1:10 p.m.
San Francisco Giants
Tuesday, March 5
1:10 p.m.
Milwaukee Brewers
INTERESTING FACT: Salt River Fields is the first LEED Gold-certified sports venue of its kind in the United States. It was designed so that people in the seats will not have the sun in their face, and many seats will be in the shade most of the game.
Wednesday, March 6
1:10 p.m.
Los Angeles Angels
Friday, March 8
1:10 p.m.
Texas Rangers
ROCKIES’ 2018 SEASON: The Rockies were 91-72, just one win shy of the franchise record set in 2009, and finished tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for first place in the National League West Division. The Rockies lost to the Dodgers in the NL West tiebreaker game and then defeated the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card Game. Their season ended when they were defeated by the Milwaukee Brewers in the Division Series.
Sunday, March 10
1:10 p.m.
Los Angeles Dodgers (ss)
Monday, March 11
1:10 p.m.
Oakland Athletics
Wednesday, March 13
1:10 p.m.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Friday, March 15
1:10 p.m.
Kansas City Royals
LAST WORLD SERIES HISTORY: The Rockies have appeared in one World Series, losing to the Boston Red Sox in 2007.
Monday, March 18
1:10 p.m.
Cincinnati Reds
Wednesday, March 20
6:40 p.m. Kansas City Royals
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Nolan Arenado, 3B; Charlie Blackmon, CF; Wade Davis, RHP; Kyle Freeland, LHP; Trevor Story, SS
Friday, March 22
6:40 p.m. San Diego Padres (ss)
Saturday, March 23
6:40 p.m. Chicago Cubs
MANAGER: Bud Black TEAM MASCOT: Dinger AFTER THE GAME: Head over to America’s largest indoor butterfly pavillion, Butterfly Wonderland, 9500 E. Vía de Ventura in Scottsdale, for a one-of-a-kind experience that will captivate both children and adults alike. 38 | Play Ball Magazine
(ss) split squad
C��� P��� W��� U�!
W
alk among butterflies, race electric karts, golf surrounded by spectacular views, take in a baseball game, or just lounge by the pool and soak up the Arizona sun. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or a few days, the Salt River Indian Community has an adventure waiting for you! We’re conveniently located off the 101 freeway, just 20 minutes from Sky Harbor Airport.
Free area trolley service October-April. Visit our website for complete schedule.
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community | Scottsdale, Az | 480.362.2700 | TalkingStickArizona.com
A look back at the
HISTORY OF THE CACTUS LEAGUE Chicago’s White Stockings (White Sox) are the first Major League team to play a barnstorming game in Arizona. They defeat Yuma’s team 9-1. Chicago Cubs treasurer Earl Nelson visits Mesa to discuss the possibility of moving the Cubs to town for spring training. Larry Doby, who joined the Indians during the 1947 season, arrives for spring training in Tucson, becoming the first AfricanAmerican to play in the Cactus League.
The New York Yankees and their cross-town rival Giants swap spring training sites. The one-year-only swap is at the request of Yankees co-owner Del Webb, who wants to show off his World Series champion Yankees in his hometown. Phoenix fans are treated to seeing the first spring season of Mickey Mantle and the last of Joe DiMaggio.
It’s been 71 years since Arizona’s sunshine convinced two Major League baseball teams to make their spring training home in the Grand Canyon State. Since then, a who’s who of baseball royalty have helped make the Cactus League what it is today. Names like Bill Veeck, Ernie Banks, Del Webb, Dwight Patterson, Ted Williams, Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle have all played roles in the history of the Cactus League. Here’s a look at the history of spring training in Arizona.
1909
1929
1942
1947 1948
1951 1952
1954
The Boston Red Sox take up residence at Scottsdale Stadium and stay until 1965. Cactus League fans are treated to the final two seasons of Ted Williams’ career and the beginning years of Carl Yastrzemski’s career.
1959
After relocating to San Francisco in 1958, Horace Stoneham’s Giants begin training at a new practice facility in Casa Grande known as Francisco Grande. Built with modern amenities, Francisco Grande is primarily a training site for the team – the Giants will continue to play games at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
1961
The Giants move from “old” Phoenix Municipal Stadium to a new Phoenix Muni. Willie McCovey inaugurates the new $891,380 park with the first hit and Willie Mays hits the stadium’s first home run.
40 | Play Ball Magazine
The Detroit Tigers become the first team to hold their spring training in Arizona. They play several games against local teams and two exhibitions against big league competition at Phoenix Riverside Park. But in 1930, the Tigers move their spring camp to California and never return to Arizona.
1962
1964
1969 1970
The Chicago Cubs become the third team to take up residence in Arizona when they move their spring training base from Catalina Island to Mesa’s Rendezvous Park.
After buying the Cleveland Indians in 1946, Bill Veeck, who owns a ranch near Tucson, convinces New York Giants owner Horace Stoneham to move his club’s spring training operation to Phoenix, while the Indians will train in Tucson. It marks the first time two Major League teams hold spring training in Arizona, establishing the foundation for what will become the Cactus League.
(spring) The Baltimore Orioles train in Yuma. With their arrival, spring training in Arizona is officially referred to as the “Cactus League” as there are now four teams. After a year in Florida in 1955, the Orioles are lured back to Scottsdale with a brand-new ballpark and stay until 1959.
(fall) The New York Giants win the first allCactus League World Series, sweeping the Cleveland Indians in four games. Among the highlights in the now legendary over-the-shoulder catch by Giants center fielder Willie Mays that prevents a Cleveland rally with two men on base.
The American League-expansion Los Angeles Angels join the Cactus League, playing half of its games in Palm Springs and half in Arizona. The National League-expansion Houston Colt 45s (now the Astros) make their spring training home at Geronimo Park in Apache Junction. The team’s arrival expands the Cactus League to six teams. The American League Seattle Pilots (Tempe) and the National League San Diego Padres (Yuma) join other teams training in Arizona. Charlie Finley’s A’s become the third addition to the league when they bring spring training back to Mesa. The A’s go on to win World Series titles three straight years (1972-74) while training in Mesa. The Pilots show up to spring training wearing one uniform and leave to wear another. During spring training, the bankrupt Seattle team is sold to Milwaukee businessman and future MLB Commissioner Bud Selig. When they left spring training, they left as the Milwaukee Brewers.
Hohokam Stadium replaces Rendezvous Park in Mesa for spring training. The Oakland Athletics move into the new ballpark.
1977
The A’s and Giants trade places when San Francisco moves to Scottsdale and Oakland takes over Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
1984
Enticed by a new stadium and complex, the Indians leave Tucson for Florida, but expansion softens the blow as the Colorado Rockies take up spring residence at Hi Corbett Field. That same year, the Angels leave Palm Springs completely for a renovated Tempe Diablo Stadium.
1993
As teams demand bigger, better facilities, a new Hohokam Stadium replaces the smaller park of the same name. The new park sets a Cactus League single-game record for attendance when 12,833 fans watch the Cubs play the Rockies on March 28. The Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers relocate their spring operations from Florida and move into a new $48 million shared complex in Surprise as the Cactus League grows to 12 teams.
1994
1997
1998
2011
2014
2015 2016
2017 Four pioneering African-American players are inducted to the Cactus Hall of Fame: Larry Doby, Willie Mays, Monte Irvin and Ernie Banks, all four of whom were among the first group of players to integrate spring training baseball in Arizona.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are born and so is a new-shared complex with the Chicago White Sox in Tucson. The $37 million Electric Park opens that spring, giving Tucson three teams as the Cactus League grows to 10 teams.
The White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers announce that they will be moving their spring operations to a new complex in Glendale. Camelback Ranch in Glendale opens to rave reviews in 2009.
2009 2010
Two teams from the Cactus League once again face off in the World Series, as the Chicago Cubs defeat the Cleveland Indians in seven games.
A new era begins when the City of Peoria opens a new $32 million complex and the San Diego Padres relocate from Yuma to share the new facility with the Mariners. The idea of shared facilities is one that will drive ballpark construction for the future.
2003
2006
The Cleveland Indians return to the Cactus League at a new complex in the Town of Goodyear. The Cincinnati Reds join the Indians in Goodyear in 2010.
Another expansion team — the Seattle Mariners — moves into Tempe’s ballpark. Unlike the previous tenant, the Mariners commit themselves for the long haul. They will be partners with the City of Tempe for the next 25 years.
2018
With the addition of the Dodgers, Indians and Reds, the Cactus League now boasts a 15-team circuit. Half of all Major League teams now train in Arizona and for the first time, the Cactus League is equal to Florida’s Grapefruit League in size. The Rockies and Diamondbacks open a new facility within the Salt River PimaMaricopa Indian Community in Scottsdale. The move leaves Tucson without spring training baseball for the first time since 1947. Mesa opens a new ballpark for the Chicago Cubs. The stadium has several elements reminiscent of Wrigley Field, including dark green light towers, metal work on the upper deck and a press box facade that looks similar to Wrigley.
Actor Will Ferrell plays all nine positions in Cactus League games while filming a baseball special with HBO and Funny or Die. He uses a helicopter to get around between different games.
Maryvale Baseball Park, the Cactus League home of the Milwaukee Brewers since 1997, undergoes a $56 million renovation, including a new main entrance, larger clubhouse facilities and upgraded seating, restrooms, concessions and more.
Play Ball Magazine | 41
Kansas City Royals WHERE THEY PLAY:
Surprise Stadium 15960 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85374 SEATING CAPACITY: 10,714 STADIUM PHONE NUMBER: 623-222-2222 ABOUT THE STADIUM: Surprise Stadium, named the No. 1 Ballpark in all of the Cactus League by USA Today in 2018, is home to the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. The venue prides itself on two things, being a classic spring training facility for baseball enthusiasts and a family friendly atmosphere for everyone from ages 1 to 110. The park features fan access to the practice fields every day (FREE!) as well as free parking for everyone coming to the game. Make sure and check out the great food and drink selection within Surprise Stadium, including Chuckie’s Original friend pork tenderloin, homemade tacos, and many other ballpark favorites. Thirsty? Make sure and try the local microbrews from Surprise’s own State 48 Brewery as well as Kansas City favorite Boulevard Brewing Company.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS’ HOME CACTUS LEAGUE SCHEDULE DATE TIME OPPONENT Saturday, Feb. 23
1:05 p.m. Texas Rangers
Monday, Feb. 25
1:05 p.m. Colorado Rockies
Tuesday, Feb. 26
1:05 p.m. Los Angeles Dodgers (ss)
Thursday, Feb. 28
1:05 p.m. San Diego Padres
Saturday, March 2
1:05 p.m. Seattle Mariners
INTERESTING FACT: Surprise Stadium is located 45 minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport via I-10 to the New Loop 303 Freeway and Bell Rd, right in the middle of the City of Surprise’s award winning Recreation Campus, featuring a Championship Tennis and Racquet Complex, aquatics center, parks, lakes, sports facilities and many other public amenities. Get to the stadium early and head over to In-n-Out Burger for a pre-game experience that is a Spring Training must.
Tuesday, March 5
6:05 p.m. Arizona Diamondbacks
Thursday, March 7
1:05 p.m. Los Angeles Angels
Friday, March 8
1:05 p.m. Cincinnati Reds (ss)
Sunday, March 10
1:05 p.m. San Diego Padres
Tuesday, March 12
1:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox (ss)
ROYALS’ 2018 SEASON: The Royals finished 58-104 in 2018 and in fifth place in the American League Central.
Wednesday, March 13
1:05 p.m. Cleveland Indians (ss)
Thursday, March 14
1:05 p.m. Texas Rangers (ss)
Saturday, March 16
1:05 p.m. Milwaukee Brewers (ss)
Tuesday, March 19
6:05 p.m. Chicago Cubs (ss)
Friday, March 22
6:05 p.m. San Francisco Giants (ss)
LAST WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP: 2015 PLAYERS TO WATCH: OF Alex Gordon; OF Billy Hamilton; INF Whit Merrifield; INF Adalberto Mondesi; C Salvador Perez; LHP Danny Duffy; RHP Brad Keller MANAGER: Ned Yost TEAM MASCOT: Sluggerrr AFTER THE GAME: Stop by State 48 Brewery in Surprise, located about 3 minutes from the ballpark and try their White Tank Wheat or many of their other award-winning craft beers. 13823 W. Bell Rd. 42 | Play Ball Magazine
(ss) split squad
Play Ball Magazine | 43
Los Angeles Angels WHERE THEY PLAY:
Tempe Diablo Stadium 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282 SEATING CAPACITY: 9,600 STADIUM PHONE NUMBER: 480-350-5265 ABOUT THE STADIUM: Tempe Diablo Stadium is the Cactus League’s oldest and smallest spring training facility, but well known for drawing big crowds, placing in the Top 6 in team attendance for the last six seasons. Not only is the ballpark one of the more picturesque facilities, built on top of a hill overlooking the beautiful Marriott Buttes Resort, it’s also known for great player access — perfect for autographs. Originally opened in 1968, the stadium underwent an extensive $20 million renovation in 2005 and was rededicated on Mar. 3, 2006. The renovation included the main stadium, the Major League Fields and the Minor League Complex on site. TASTY TREATS: There are multiple stands down the left field and right field patios full of options for domestic and craft beers as well as traditional ballpark fare, ice cream, Mexican food and barbecue. ANGELS’ 2018 SEASON: The team finished in fourth place of the American League West Division with a record of 80-82 and did not make the playoffs. LAST WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP: 2002 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Kole Calhoun, RF (born in Buckeye, AZ); Shohei Ohtani, SP, DH; Albert Pujols, DH; Mike Trout, CF; Justin Upton, LF MANAGER: Brad Ausmus AFTER THE GAME: Visit Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281, for a day/night of shopping, dining and entertainment, or grab a tasty bite and drink along Mill Avenue in the heart of Downtown Tempe with some local ASU Sun Devils.
44 | Play Ball Magazine
LOS ANGELES ANGELS’ HOME CACTUS LEAGUE SCHEDULE DATE TIME OPPONENT Saturday, Feb. 23
1:10 p.m.
San Francisco Gints
Sunday, Feb. 24
1:10 p.m.
Cincinnati Reds (ss)
Monday, Feb. 25
1:10 p.m.
Milwaukee Brewers
Thursday, Feb. 28
1:10 p.m.
Texas Rangers
Friday, March 1
1:10 p.m.
Kansas City Royals
Sunday, March 3
1:10 p.m.
Oakland Athletics
Tuesday, March 5
1:10 p.m.
Chicago Cubs
Thursday, March 7
1:10 p.m.
Los Angeles Dodgers (ss)
Friday, March 8
1:10 p.m.
Chicago White Sox
Saturday, March 9
1:10 p.m.
Milwaukee Brewers (ss)
Sunday, March 10
1:10 p.m.
Seattle Mariners (ss)
Wednesday, March 13
6:10 p.m.
San Diego Padres
Friday, March 15
1:10 p.m.
Arizona Diamondbacks (ss)
Saturday, March 16
1:10 p.m.
Cleveland Indians
Tuesday, March 19
6:10 p.m.
Colorado Rockies
Friday, March 22
1:10 p.m.
Chicago White Sox (ss)
(ss) split squad
Play Ball Magazine | 45
Los Angeles Dodgers WHERE THEY PLAY:
Camelback Ranch-Glendale 10710 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85037
LOS ANGELES DODGERS’ HOME CACTUS LEAGUE SCHEDULE
SEATING CAPACITY: 13,000
DATE TIME OPPONENT
STADIUM PHONE NUMBER: 623-302-5000
Sunday, Feb. 24
1:05 p.m. Los Angeles Angels (ss)
ABOUT THE STADIUM: The Sonoran Desert-inspired facility, shared by the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers, features more than just premier playing fields with its picturesque walking trails, citrus groves and a fully-stocked five-acre lake. Celebrating its eleventh season in 2019, the ballpark’s modern amenities and design as well as dramatic mountain views create one of the most inviting spring training atmospheres in all of baseball. Recently added fan amenities include two 110-foot shade canopies on the first base concourse and a 30-feet-by- 50-feet Daktronics videoboard. This season, fans can enjoy free public Wi-Fi throughout the stadium.
Monday, Feb. 25
1:05 p.m. Chicago Cubs (ss)
Thursday, Feb. 28
1:05 p.m. Colorado Rockies
Friday, March 1
6:05 p.m. San Diego Padres (ss)
Sunday, March 3
1:05 p.m. Texas Rangers (ss)
Wednesday, March 6
7:05 p.m. Cleveland Indians
Friday, March 8
7:05 p.m. Kansas City Royals (ss)
TASTY TREATS: Hungry? Try the legendary Dodger Dogs, Vienna Beef Chicago Hot Dogs or an 18-inch slice of pizza. Thirsty? Enjoy an ice-cold margarita from 3 Amigos Tequila Bar inside the stadium.
Saturday, March 9
1:05 p.m. Seattle Mariners
Monday, March 11
1:05 p.m. San Francisco Giants
Wednesday, March 13
7:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox
Thursday, March 14
1:05 p.m. Cincinnati Reds (ss)
Sunday, March 17
1:05 p.m. Milwaukee Brewers
Tuesday, March 19
7:05 p.m. Cleveland Indians
Friday, March 22
1:05 p.m. Arizona Diamondbacks
Saturday, March 23
12:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox
DODGERS’ 2018 SEASON: The World Series runner-up finished the regular season in first place of the National League West Division with a 92-71 record. The team defeated the Colorado Rockies in Game 163 to claim their sixth straight division title. The Dodgers went on to defeat the Braves and Brewers to advance to their second straight World Series, where they fell to the Boston Red Sox in five games. LAST WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP: 1988 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Cody Bellinger, 1B; Clayton Kershaw, LHP; Corey Seager, SS; Walker Buehler, RHP; Justin Turner, 3B MANAGER: Dave Roberts AFTER THE GAME: Check out the Westgate Entertainment District, a vibrant outdoor setting that delivers an interactive shopping, dining and entertainment experience. 46 | Play Ball Magazine
(ss) split squad
hey batter, batter
x
tasty beer batter by
ari
z o na f o o
sm ag a z i n e
th
i
e colter st
e
bluewate rgri l l.com
plac north 17
1720 east camelback rd tel 602 277 fish ( 3474 )
51
5 1 F R E E WAY
n 16th st
come in, get hooked
ll
Worked up an appetite? Our Beer Battered Fish & Chips are sustainably sourced and oh so good. When it comes to seafood, we hit it out of the park.
VoteD Best Seafood
51
1720 EAST CAMELBACK RD e camelback rd
OY S T E R B A R · S U S H I B A R · H A P P Y H O U R · S E A FO O D M A R K E T
Milwaukee Brewers WHERE THEY PLAY:
Maryvale Baseball Park 3805 N 51st Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85031 SEATING CAPACITY: 10,000 PHONE NUMBER: 623-245-5500 ABOUT THE STADIUM: In 2018, the Milwaukee Brewers, HKS, Mortenson, and IFG embarked on an aggressive, $61.7 million project to renovate the ballpark. The Brewers will get a New Clubhouse Building to house both MLB and MiLB teams, New Agility Field, New MLB Batting Tunnels, Practice Mounds and a MLB Miller Park Replica Practice Field and the long awaited new video board in the main stadium. The concourse is shaded, but fans can enjoy the game in the sun along the outfield lawn. TASTY TREATS: Wisconsin favorites such as Johnsonville Smoked Brats and breaded cheese curds will be sure to delight fans at Maryvale Ballpark. Other savory treats include a two-handed sloppy Joe, BBQ mac and cheese or spicy good Buffalo Chicken Nachos. BREWERS’ 2018 SEASON: Led by National League MVP Christian Yelich, the Brewers were one of baseball’s best stories last year as the club won the NL Central Division and fell just one game shy of reaching the World Series. Yelich and Lorenzo Cain were newcomers in 2018 and paced an offense that also included solid performances by past-MVP Ryan Braun, Travis Shaw and a host of others. The pitching staff featured one of baseball’s best bullpens, including the game’s most dominant lefthander Josh Hader, and Jhoulys Chacin anchored a steady starting staff.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS’ HOME CACTUS LEAGUE SCHEDULE DATE TIME OPPONENT Tuesday, Feb. 26
1:05 p.m. San Diego Padres
Wednesday, Feb. 27
1:05 p.m. Cleveland Indians
Thursday, Feb. 28
1:05 p.m. San Francisco Giants (ss)
Sunday, March 3
1:05 p.m. Cincinnati Reds
Wednesday, March 6
1:05 p.m. Arizona Diamondbacks
Friday, March 8
12:05 p.m. Arizona Diamondbacks
Sunday, March 10
1:05 p.m. Chicago Cubs
Monday, March 11
1:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox
Thursday, March 14
1:05 p.m. Los Angeles Angels
Friday, March 15
1:05 p.m. San Diego Padres
Saturday, March 16
1:05 p.m. Colorado Rockies (ss)
WORLD SERIES HISTORY: The Brewers’ first and only World Series appearance was in 1982, but were defeated by the St. Louis Cardinals.
Tuesday, March 19
1:05 p.m. Texas Rangers
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Ryan Braun, OF; Lorenzo Cain, OF: Zach Davis, RHP; Christian Yelich, OF; Eric Thames, 1B
Thursday, March 21
1:05 p.m. Los Angeles Dodgers
Friday, March 22
1:05 p.m. Cincinnati Reds
Saturday, March 23
1:05 p.m. Kansas City Royals (ss)
MANAGER: Craig Counsell TEAM MASCOT: Bernie Brewer AFTER THE GAME: Continue to enjoy the beautiful weather by hitting the links at the newly renovated Grand Canyon University Golf Course, located at 5902 W. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix, just minutes down the road from the stadium and open to the public. 48 | Play Ball Magazine
(ss) split squad
Baseball & Jackpots Desert Diamond West Valley Casino Open 24/7 Northern Ave & Loop 101 • Glendale, AZ www.ddcaz.com
DESERT DIA MOND WEST VALLEY CASINO Play Ball Magazine | 49 See Rewards Center for details. Must be 21. Please play responsibly. An Enterprise of the Tohono O’odham Nation.
Oakland Athletics WHERE THEY PLAY:
Hohokam Stadium 1235 N. Center St., Mesa, AZ 85201 SEATING CAPACITY: 10,000 STADIUM PHONE NUMBER: 480-644-4451 (athletics.com/spring) ABOUT THE STADIUM: In 1977, the Oakland Athletics opened the then newly built Hohokam Stadium. Thirty-seven years later, the A’s returned to Hohokam, this time to a newly renovated state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Mesa. With fresh green-and-gold paint, a new shaded terrace level, upgraded concessions and a high-definition scoreboard, Hohokam Stadium is the perfect place to catch an A’s game. In addition to multi-level seating, the stadium offers visitors plenty of shaded seating and picnic areas — a perfect place to feast on Bay-Area inspired food and beverage options. TASTY TREATS: Hohokam Stadium offers some of the best specialty food options in the Cactus League. Visit the Left Field Deck area for a delicious variety of local restaurants and non-traditional ballpark plates. INTERESTING FACT: Unlike most Cactus League teams, the A’s take batting practice in the stadium before the game. So get to the ballpark early to catch a homerun and grab some autographs. ATHLETICS’ 2018 SEASON: The A’s are riding the wave of a Wild Card appearance and finished the 2018 campaign with 97 wins. In addition to the success on the field, Oakland brought home some serious hardware in the form of two Gold Gloves (Chapman & Olson), AL Manager of the Year (Melvin), Executive of the Year (Beane), Defensive Player of the Year (Chapman) and the AL Platinum Glove (Chapman). LAST WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP: 1989 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Matt Chapman, 3B; Khris Davis, DH, LF; Sean Manaea, LHP; Matt Olson, 1B; Stephen Piscotty, RF; Marcus Semien, SS MANAGER: Bob Melvin TEAM MASCOT: Stomper AFTER THE GAME: Check out Mesa Riverview, a regional, open-air destination shopping center featuring dining, shopping and entertainment of a wide variety for all ages, located near Dobson Road and Loop 202. 50 | Play Ball Magazine
OAKLAND ATHLETICS’ HOME CACTUS LEAGUE SCHEDULE DATE TIME OPPONENT Thursday, Feb. 21
1:05 p.m. Seattle Mariners
Saturday, Feb. 23
1:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox (ss)
Sunday, Feb. 24
1:05 p.m. Kansas City Royals
Tuesday, Feb. 26
1:05 p.m. Los Angeles Angels
Wednesday, Feb. 27
1:05 p.m. Los Angeles Dodgers
Friday, March 1
1:05 p.m. Colorado Rockies
Saturday, March 2
1:05 p.m. Cleveland Indians
Tuesday, March 5
1:05 p.m. Texas Rangers
Friday, March 8
1:05 p.m. San Diego Padres
Saturday, March 9
1:05 p.m. Milwaukee Brewers
Sunday, March 10
1:05 p.m. San Francisco Giants (ss)
Wednesday, March 13
1:05 p.m. Chicago Cubs
* Athletics will play two exhibition games in Tokyo on March 17 and 18 and regular season games against the Mariners on March 20-21 (ss) split squad
San Diego Padres WHERE THEY PLAY:
Peoria Sports Complex 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria, AZ 85382 SEATING CAPACITY: 12,518 STADIUM PHONE NUMBER: 623-773-8700 ABOUT THE STADIUM: Located in the heart of Peoria’s P83 Entertainment District, the ballpark originally opened in 1994 and has been a home away from home for the San Diego Padres ever since. It was the first two-team spring training stadium in baseball history and is also home to the Seattle Mariners. The complex features premiere indoor and outdoor group and event areas, plenty of shaded seating as well as lawn seats in the outfield. If you’re with the kids, stop by Peoria Cove, a ship-themed kids’ attraction with a mini baseball field, splash pad and playground.
SAN DIEGO PADRES’ HOME CACTUS LEAGUE SCHEDULE DATE TIME OPPONENT Sunday, Feb. 24
1:10 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 27
6:40 p.m. Arizona Diamondbacks
Saturday, March 2
1:10 p.m.
San Francisco Giants
Monday, March 4
1:10 p.m.
Cleveland Indians
Tuesday, March 5
1:10 p.m.
Seattle Mariners (ss)
Thursday, March 7
1:10 p.m.
Texas Rangers
Saturday, March 9
6:40 p.m. Cincinnati Reds
Tuesday, March 12
6:40 p.m. Oakland Athletics (ss)
Thursday, March 14
6:40 p.m. Los Angeles Dodgers
Saturday, March 16
1:10 p.m.
Kansas City Royals (ss)
PADRES’ 2018 SEASON: The Padres finished the season in fifth place of the National League West Division with a 66-96 record, missing the playoffs for the 12th straight year.
Sunday, March 17
1:10 p.m.
Los Angeles Angels
WORLD SERIES HISTORY: The Padres made it to the Fall Classic in 1984 and 1998, but have yet to win a World Series.
Wednesday, March 20
1:10 p.m.
Milwaukee Brewers
Saturday, March 23
1:10 p.m.
Los Angeles Angels
Sunday, March 24
12:10 p.m. Chicago Cubs
AUTOGRAPHS: While the practice fields are always a good spot, also stop by “Autograph Alley,” which every player passes through to reach the stadium field for each game. TASTY TREATS: Check out the Craft Beer Courtyard, where fans can mix, match, sample and share up to four 12 oz. craft beers of their choice. Plus all craft, domestic and imported beers throughout the ballpark are priced the same so fans can select their beer based on their palate, not their wallet.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Austin Hedges, C; Manuel Margot, CF; Wil Myers, RF; Eric Hosmer, 1B; Joey Lucchesi, LHP MANAGER: Andy Green TEAM MASCOT: Swinging Friar AFTER THE GAME: Experience the abundant dining, retail, nightlife and theater scene of the P83 Entertainment District. 52 | Play Ball Magazine
(ss) split squad
Chicago White Sox
GLENDALE, ARIZONA You'll love every moment!
See why Glendale was named the #1 Emerging Tourist Destination in the U.S. by Trivago.
9:05 a.m.
11:45 a.m.
5:30 p.m.
7:15 p.m.
Bring this ad to the Glendale Visitor Center and pick up a free tote to fill with all your great finds from Glendale, Arizona. 9494 W. Maryland Ave., Third Floor | Glendale, AZ 85305 877.800.2601 | VisitGlendale.com | #VisitGlendaleAZ /VisitGlendale
/VisitGlendaleAZ
VisitGlendaleAZ
San Francisco Giants WHERE THEY PLAY:
Scottsdale Stadium 7408 E. Osborn Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251 SEATING CAPACITY: 12,000 STADIUM PHONE NUMBER: 480-312-2586 ABOUT THE STADIUM: Established in the early 1950s, Scottsdale Stadium was once the spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and Oakland A’s. Now home to the Giants since 1984, this spacious ballpark has plenty to offer, including picturesque views of the Camelback and McDowell Mountains and a large selection of speciality beers. The “new” Scottsdale Stadium opened in 1992 after a year of construction, with a facilities update in 2005, which included an expanded clubhouse, batting tunnel and practice fields, to name a few. Unlike other stadiums, it’s open on non-game days so fans can watch the team practice too. On game days, fans can stop by the Halls of Fame for the Arizona Fall League and Scottsdale Sports, located under the covered portion of the grandstand. Scottsale Stadium is located in the heart of Scottsdale’s vibrant downtown district, with ample bars, restaurants, shops and stores within walking distance.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS’ HOME CACTUS LEAGUE SCHEDULE DATE TIME OPPONENT Sunday, Feb. 24
1:05 p.m. Chicago Cubs
Monday, Feb. 25
1:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox
Wednesday, Feb. 27
1:05 p.m. Kansas City Royals
Friday, March 1
7:05 p.m. Cincinnati Reds
Saturday, March 2
1:05 p.m. Texas Rangers (ss)
Monday, March 4
1:05 p.m. Los Angeles Dodgers
BALLPARK TRADITION: Kids get to run the bases and seniors get to stroll the bases after every 1:05 p.m. game.
Thursday, March 7
7:05 p.m. Oakland Athletics
Saturday, March 9
1:05 p.m. Chicago Cubs
GIANTS’ 2018 SEASON: The Giants completed 2018 with a record of 73-89, placing fourth in the National League West. Following the season, the club hired Farhan Zaidi as the new president of baseball operations to help remake the Giants, who are ready to put 2018 behind them and play meaningful baseball as deep into the 2019 season as possible.
Sunday, March 10
1:05 p.m. Texas Rangers (ss)
Tuesday, March 12
7:05 p.m. Milwaukee Brewers
Friday, March 15
1:05 p.m. Los Angeles Angels (ss)
LAST WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP: 2014
Saturday, March 16
1:05 p.m. San Diego Padres (ss)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: RHP Dereck Rodriguez, LHP Will Smith, RHP Jeff Samardzija, IF Brandon Belt, C Buster Posey
Sunday, March 17
1:05 p.m. Kansas City Royals
Wednesday, March 20
7:05 p.m. Cleveland Indians (ss)
MANAGER: Bruce Bochy
Friday, March 22
7:05 p.m. Colorado Rockies (ss)
TEAM MASCOT: Lou Seal
Saturday, March 23
1:05 p.m. Arizona Diamondbacks
AFTER THE GAME: From the oldest bar in Scottsdale - Rusty Spur Saloon, to the art galleries on main street, whatever you are in the mood for, Old Town Scottsdale has it all. Restaurants, bars, spas, shopping, and more. Visit www.oldtownscottsdaleaz.com to find your aftergame hangout! 54 | Play Ball Magazine
(ss) split squad
Play Ball Magazine | 55
Seattle Mariners
WHERE THEY PLAY:
Peoria Sports Complex 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria, AZ 85382
SEATTLE MARINERS’ HOME CACTUS LEAGUE SCHEDULE
SEATING CAPACITY: 12,518 STADIUM PHONE NUMBER: 623-773-8700 ABOUT THE STADIUM: The award-winning Peoria Sports Complex opened in 1994 as the first two-team spring training facility. Popular amenities include group spaces such as the luxurious indoor, air-conditioned Colonnade and the spacious, partially-shaded Pavilion. The stadium also boasts the most unique children’s play area and the largest videoboard amongst all spring training facilities. BALLPARK TRADITION: Availability is extremely limited, but on select games, children can sign up to take the field with a player or announce a batter. MARINERS’ 2018 SEASON: The Mariners’ postseason drought continued to its 17th season, the longest current streak in the MLB. The Mariners finished with an 89-73 record and third in the American League West Division. WORLD SERIES HISTORY: The Mariners have yet to make it to a World Series. PLAYERS TO WATCH: Marco Gonzales, LHP; Yusei Kikuchi, LHP; Justus Sheffield, LHP; JP Crawford, SS; Mitch Haniger, RF; Mallex Smith, CF MANAGER: Scott Servais TEAM MASCOT: Mariner Moose AFTER THE GAME: Experience the unique attractions of Peoria, such as Lake Pleasant, the P83 Entertainment District, multiple golf courses, local microbreweries and restaurants and a comprehensive trail system for hiking and biking.
56 | Play Ball Magazine
DATE TIME OPPONENT Friday, Feb. 22
1:10 p.m.
Oakland Athletics
Saturday, Feb. 23
1:10 p.m.
San Diego Padres
Monday, Feb. 25
1:10 p.m.
Cincinnati Reds
Tuesday, Feb. 26
1:10 p.m.
Texas Rangers
Thursday, Feb. 28
1:10 p.m.
Chicago White Sox
Friday, March 1
1:10 p.m.
Milwaukee Brewers
Sunday, March 3
1:10 p.m.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Wednesday, March 6
6:40 p.m. Oakland Athletics
Friday, March 8
6:40 p.m. Chicago Cubs
Sunday, March 10
1:10 p.m.
Monday March 11
6:40 p.m. Kansas City Royals (ss)
Wednesday, March 13
6:40 p.m. San Francisco Giants
Thursday, March 21
6:40 p.m. Cincinnati Reds (ss)
Friday, March 22
6:40 p.m. Los Angeles Angels (ss)
Cleveland Indians (ss)
* Mariners will play two exhibition games in Tokyo on March 17-18 and regular season games against the Athletics in Tokyo on March 20-21 (ss) split squad
WHEN GETS YOU 15% OFF IN THE TEAM SHOP
There’s only one Players Club in the Valley that takes you to the game! With THE Card® by Gila River Hotels & Casinos, members receive 15% off at the Arizona Diamondbacks Chase Field Team Shop. At Gila River Hotels & Casinos, you can unwind your way. So, You Do You.
PlayAtGila.com | 800-WIN-GILA Owned and operated by the Gila River Indian Community
Some exclusions may apply. Must show THE Card® by Gila River Hotels & Casinos at checkout to receive discount. Valid only at Chase Field.
Texas Rangers WHERE THEY PLAY:
Surprise Stadium 15960 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise, AZ 85374 SEATING CAPACITY: 10,714 STADIUM PHONE NUMBER: 623-222-2222
TEXAS RANGERS’ HOME CACTUS LEAGUE SCHEDULE DATE TIME OPPONENT Sunday, Feb. 24
2:05 p.m. Milwaukee Brewers
Wednesday, Feb. 27
1:05 p.m. Chicago Cubs
Friday, March 1
1:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox
Sunday, March 3
1:05 p.m. San Diego Padres (ss)
Monday, March 4
1:05 p.m. Colorado Rockies
Wednesday, March 6
1:05 p.m. San Francisco Giants
Saturday, March 9
1:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox
Monday, March 11
1:05 p.m. Los Angeles Angels (ss)
WORLD SERIES HISTORY: The Rangers made it to the World Series in both 2010 and 2011, but have yet to win a World Series.
Monday, March 11
7:05 p.m. Kansas City Royals (ss)
Friday, March 15
1:05 p.m. Cleveland Indians
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Elvis Andrus, SS; Joey Gallo, 1B-OF; Lance Lynn, RHP; Nomar Mazara, OF; Rougned Odor, 2B
Sunday, March 17
1:05 p.m. Arizona Diamondbacks (ss)
Monday, March 18
7:05 p.m. Los Angeles Dodgers
MANAGER: Chris Woodward
Wednesday, March 20
1:05 p.m. Cincinnati Reds
TEAM MASCOT: Rangers Captain
Thursday, March 21
1:05 p.m. Cleveland Indians (ss)
AFTER THE GAME: Do you still want to hang with friends and family, but can’t decide where to go next? Head to Uptown Alley, 13525 N. Litchfield Rd., Surprise, AZ 85379. The entertainment center boasts things to do for all ages including, a 40-lane bowling alley, laser tag, billiards room, sports theatre and Red Embers Bar & Grill.
Saturday, March 23
12:05 p.m. Milwaukee Brewers (ss)
Sunday, March 24
12:05 p.m. Kansas City Royals (ss)
ABOUT THE STADIUM: Surprise Stadium, Named the No. 1 Ballpark in all of the Cactus League by USA Today in 2018, is home to the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. The venue prides itself on two things, being a classic spring training facility for baseball enthusiasts and a family friendly atmosphere for everyone from ages 1 to 110. The park features fan access to the practice fields every day (FREE!) as well as free parking for everyone coming to the game. One of the best seats to take in the game is in the Legends Deck on the right field berm, with a great view of the game, the White Tank Mountains, and food and drink included, it’s a view and deal you do not want to miss. RANGERS’ 2018 SEASON: The Rangers finished fifth in the American League West Division with a 67-95 record.
58 | Play Ball Magazine
(ss) split squad
Grand Canyon National Park
Flagstaff
Phoenix
In the park GRAND slam.
The Grand Canyon is our backyard. discoverflagstaff.com
Nonstop daily Flagstaff flights to/from Dallas (DFW), Denver (DEN) and Phoenix (PHX). Play Ball Magazine | 59
Cactus League Stadium Guide
CAMELBACK RANCH
HOHOKAM STADIUM
PEORIA SPORTS COMPLEX
CAMELBACK RANCH Where: 10710 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix 85037 Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox Year opened: 2009 Feature: Camelback Ranch provides free parking for both teams. Also, save $3 by purchasing your tickets in advance. Autographs: Fans can get autographs even on non-game days, right next to the practice fields (open from 9 a.m. to the end of workouts). If you are going to a game, get there early because you can head to your favorite team’s dugout (White Sox on the first-base side and the Dodgers on the third-base side) to get an autograph. Signature food: Don’t miss out on the legendary Dodger Dogs or Vienna Beef Chicago Hot Dogs.
HOHOKAM STADIUM Where: 1235 N. Center St., Mesa 85201 Teams: Oakland Athletics Year opened: 1977 Feature: You will have a cool experience in Hohokam Stadium, which has the most shaded seats compared to the rest of the Cactus League Stadiums, largest scoreboard and a kid’s zone. Autographs: Arrive early, because the A’s are the only team that allows fans to shag balls and get autographs during batting practice. Signature food: Ike’s Sandwiches are from the Bay Area. They are specialty deli sandwiches that will tickle your taste buds. Don’t miss this: In 1972, owner Charlie O. Finley said he would give the players $300 if they could grow a mustache, so it is only fitting that the Mustache Pretzel food truck is stationed down the right field line.
PEORIA SPORTS COMPLEX Where: 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria 85382 Teams: San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners Year opened: 1994 Feature: Kids 12 and under can do public address announcements, stand with a player during the National Anthem and run the bases after the game. Autographs: If your hand is small enough, you can stick your hand through the fence as the players are entering or exiting the field from the clubhouse. Hence, the nickname – “Autograph Alley.” You can also receive autographs at the main stadium before the start of the National Anthem or during early morning workouts on the practice fields. Signature food: If you are feeling up for the challenge, you can buy the Foot-Long “Ruthian” Hot Dog. Feels like home: Petco Park features grass seating in the outfield. So does Peoria.
GOODYEAR BALLPARK Where: 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear 85338 Teams: Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds Year opened: 2009 Feature: The Ziz, a statue that is hard to miss right outside the ballpark, is sculpted to represent a bird in flight. The Ziz stands at 60 feet, 6 inches, exactly the same distance between home plate and the pitcher’s mound. Autographs: Before every game the Reds and the Indians sign autographs in sections 106 and section 118. Signature food: You can find Cleveland’s famous Bertman Ballpark Mustard. For Cincinnati lovers, you can find Skyline Chili right inside the park. Don’t miss this: The Estrella Falls Kid’s Zone, which is free for all ages at every game and features a whiffle ball field and inflatable bounce houses.
GOODYEAR BALLPARK 60 | Play Ball Magazine
MARYVALE STADIUM Where: 3600 N. 51st Ave, Phoenix 85031 Team: Milwaukee Brewers Year opened: 1998 Feature: In 2018, the Milwaukee Brewers, HKS, Mortenson, and IFG embarked on an aggressive, $61.7 million project to renovate Maryvale Baseball Park. Fans will see: new concessions, restrooms, retail, ticket office, and dedicated Entry Plaza, the “John F. and Mary P. Long Plaza,” as well as a new Daktronics video board Autographs: Fans can grab Brewers autographs after their pregame stretching down the right field line, lawn and behind their dugout. Signature food: Sink your teeth into some true Milwaukee flair with a juicy, Klement’s bratwurst. Don’t miss this: While in Maryvale, to get that true Miller Park experience, join Brewers fans who tailgate in the parking lots before the game.
MARYVALE BASEBALL PARK
SALT RIVER FIELDS AT TALKING STICK Where: 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale 85256 Teams: Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies Year opened: 2011 Feature: As the afternoon sun gets hotter, the seats get cooler. The main grandstand was designed so that as the game gets on, more of the seats are shaded. Oh, and it’s impossible to miss the stunning mountain view on the horizon. Autographs: Make sure you get to the game early and park yourself on the left and right field railing to snag the players as they walk into the stadium. Or if you like the easy way, both teams set up pregame autograph sessions on their respective concourses: left field for the Diamondbacks, right field for the Rockies. Signature food: Salty Senorita is a staple in Arizona, so don’t miss out on the margaritas and Mexican food while watching the Diamondbacks or Rockies play. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, Cold Stone Creamery, whose corporate headquarters sits just across the street from Salt River Fields, sells inside the stadium as well.
SCOTTSDALE STADIUM
SLOAN PARK
SCOTTSDALE STADIUM Where: 7408 E. Osborn Rd., Scottsdale 85251 Team: San Francisco Giants Year opened: 1992 Feature: Have a free morning during spring training? Come to the stadium because when the team is scheduled to play a road game, the gates are open and fans can see their favorite players up close as they prepare to head off to their game. Autographs: Go to the area surrounding the Giants dugout before or after the game. Signature food: Garlic fries at Giants games are known baseball wide but not everyone can travel all the way to the Bay Area for this ballpark delicacy. Good news is the legendary fries are available during Giants games at Scottsdale Stadium. Feels like home: Every year the Giants bring a little bit of the San Francisco to Scottsdale with their Giant Race Series. As the kick-off to their four venue race series, runners weave through historic Old Town Scottsdale and finish on the field at the Scottsdale Stadium. Part of the fun includes exclusive finisher medals, race tee and unforgettable experience.
SLOAN PARK Where: 2330 W. Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa 85201 Team: Chicago Cubs Year Opened: 2014 Feature: If you’re bringing little ones with you, there’s a miniature Wrigley baseball field for the kiddos to play on during the game, as well as a beautiful park a couple hundred yards to the right of the ballpark if you’re facing the entrance gates. The park offers a small lake – a perfect destination for a relaxing picnic – and a bright blue jungle gym for the kids. Autographs: The Cubs fill the path between the Under Armor practice facility and the player’s stadium entrance after the game to meet with fans and sign plenty of fan gear. Signature food: There are two “Taste of Chicago” stands inside the ballpark offering a Chicago favorite – the famous and mouthwatering Italian beef sandwich, alongside Italian style hot dogs and pizza. Don’t miss this: Sloan Park is one of the only stadiums to offer some healthy options along with all the regular ballpark food. Most concession stands offer salads, fruit and yogurt and a veggie and dip platter. Feels like home: You’ll feel like you’re in the famous Wrigley Field with architecture that mimics that of the Chicagoan counterpart. The outfield berm matches the look of Wrigley’s bleachers, while the iconic brick backstop is recreated in Sloan Park as well. Your experience will continue outside of the gates, with street signs that match the names of Chicago streets.
SURPRISE RECREATION CAMPUS SURPRISE STADIUM Where: 15960 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise 85374 Teams: Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers Year opened: 2003 Feature: Join fans in the Budweiser Legends Deck located in right center field and enjoy catered food and drinks while watching a game. Cost: $45. Autographs: Arrive early and get autographs at the edges of the dugout. Also attend an early morning practice and you will be given access to autographs at the practice fields. Signature food: Food at the stadium changes every year but you can always count on funnel cakes and cheese steaks. Chill out at the beer garden with a frozen margarita. Feels like home: Rangers fans might recognize the roped off section of the grass that makes up the lower half of the hitter’s backdrop in center, because just like at the Rangers Ballpark, fans can retrieve home run balls that fall in that area. TEMPE DIABLO STADIUM Where: 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe 85281 Team: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Year opened: 1968 Feature: At 9,315 capacity, the stadium is the second smallest Cactus League venue, which gives fans an intimate feeling. Autographs: Line up along the first base line and players will sign for you. Signature food: The popular nachos are piled high inside an Angels baseball helmet. Don’t miss this: Before you head to the lawn, make sure to grab free samples of sunblock throughout the stadium. Also look for the Budweiser Clydesdales that make a surprise visit from time to time. Photos and text compiled by Cronkite News Service.
SALT RIVER FIELDS AT TALKING STICK
TEMPE DIABLO STADIUM Play Ball Magazine | 61
LONDON GOLD
LONDONGOLD.COM ARROWHEAD
(623) 979-4445 CHANDLER
(480) 705-4191
SCOTTSDALE
(480) 367-1717
Play Ball Magazine | 63
64 | Play Ball Magazine
A NEW RUSH AROUND EVERY CORNER March 8/9/10 TicketGuardian 500 All new racetrack features. All new party memories. Come feel the excitement for the brand new season of NASCAR.
Get the best seats and INfield access early at ISMRaceway.com