It was a rough 2020, but a new year brings new hope to the baseball world—and what better way to express that hope than planning for a spring-training trip? After all, spring training is a time of new beginnings, when the baseball world preps for another season, as rookies fight for roster spots and veterans prep for another campaign. Every team in spring training has a shot at contending for a title, as life on the diamond begins anew.
In Florida, spring training is when hardcore baseball fans scout their favorite teams and eagerly track every open roster move. Casual fans head to the ballpark in search of the perfect Florida experience, happy to sip a brew at the outfield bar. This book is for both kinds of fans.
Coverage is arranged by area: Gulf Coast (where the Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins, and Tampa Bay Rays train), greater Tampa Bay (where the Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, and Toronto Blue Jays train), and the Port St. Lucie/Jupiter/Palm Beach area (where the Houston Astros, Miami Marlins, New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, and Washington Nationals train). We also include coverage of other sports and Orlando, a popular spring-training destination for fans of all teams.
Changes for the 2021 spring-training season are highlighted, including new chapters on TD Ballpark, spring home of the Toronto Blue Jays, and Clover Park, spring home of the New York Mets, as well as coverage of new ballpark amenities. Every chapter in this book has been upgraded and expanded with coverage of college ballparks and notable historic destinations throughout Florida.
Each chapter features:
Best seats in each ballpark, whether you want comfort, shade, accessibility or autographs
Ballpark tips
Must-sees before and after the games, including local baseball attractions and sports bars
Training information, to plan a trip before the games start
Information on new and renovated ballparks
Travel tips: Low fares at nearby airports, alternative routes (beat the traffic!) and freeway shortcuts
College games: create your own day-night doubleheaders
Points of interest for the baseball history fan
