Ultimate Guide to MLB Spring Training 2023: Everything You Need to Know

Major League Baseball (MLB) Spring Training is a highly anticipated event for baseball fans every year. It's a time when the players and teams come together to prepare for the upcoming season, and it's also a great opportunity for fans to see their favorite players up close and personal. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at what it's like to attend MLB Spring Training and what to watch for in 2023.

The first thing to note about MLB Spring Training is that it takes place in warm-weather locations which make it a great way for fans looking to escape the colder temperatures of winter and enjoy some sunshine.  Spring Training takes place in two main locations: Florida and Arizona. In Florida, the Grapefruit League hosts teams in various cities including Tampa, Clearwater, and Fort Myers. In Arizona, the Cactus League hosts teams in locations such as Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale. Each stadium has its own unique features and atmosphere, but below are some fan favortie locations.

1. JetBlue Park at Fenway South (Fort Myers, Florida) - Home to the Boston Red Sox during Spring Training, JetBlue Park at Fenway South is modeled after Fenway Park in Boston. It's a beautiful stadium with a replica Green Monster, and the facilities are top-notch. There's also a grass berm area where fans can sit and watch the game.
2. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (Scottsdale, Arizona) - Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is the Spring Training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies. It's a modern facility with great sightlines and plenty of food and drink options. The stadium is also located on Native American land and features Native American-inspired architecture and design.
3. Hammond Stadium (Fort Myers, Florida) - Another stadium located in Fort Myers, Hammond Stadium is the Spring Training home of the Minnesota Twins. It's a cozy stadium with a lot of character, and the grass berm area in the outfield is a great place to watch the game. The stadium also has a great atmosphere and friendly staff.
4. Camelback Ranch (Glendale, Arizona) -  Camelback Ranch is the Spring Training home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox. It's a beautiful stadium with great amenities, including a large lawn area where fans can relax and watch the game. The stadium also has great food and drink options, including local craft beer.
5. George M. Steinbrenner Field (Tampa, Florida) - George M. Steinbrenner Field is the Spring Training home of the New York Yankees. It's a large stadium with great facilities and amenities, including plenty of food and drink options. The stadium also has a lot of history, as it was originally built as Legends Field and renamed in honor of longtime Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.
6. Sloan Park (Mesa, Arizona) - The Chicago Cubs play their Spring Training games at Sloan Park.  The state-of-the-art facility opened in 2014 and has since become one of the most popular destinations for Spring Training. It has a seating capacity of 15,000 and features a grass berm area, luxury suites, and plenty of food and drink options. The stadium also has a great atmosphere, with enthusiastic Cubs fans filling the stands and cheering on their team. 

When attending Spring Training, fans can expect to see their favorite teams play in a more relaxed environment than during the regular season. The focus is more on player development and preparing for the upcoming season rather than winning games. As a result, the atmosphere is more laid back, and the players are often more accessible to fans.

One of the highlights of attending Spring Training is the opportunity to watch the players up close during practice sessions. Fans can watch the players take batting practice, field ground balls, and work on other skills. This is a great way to get an inside look at how the players prepare for the season.

In addition to watching the players practice, fans can also attend games during Spring Training. These games are often held in smaller stadiums than during the regular season, which creates a more intimate atmosphere. The games may also feature more minor league players, which can provide a glimpse into the future of the team.  This year will be even more exciting as it will be the first opportunity for fans to see the new MLB rules in place.  The new rules for 2023 include:

1. Pitch Timer - Each pitcher will have15 seconds with bases empty and 20 seconds with runners on to deliver the ball.  This has been shown to reduce game times by 25 minutes!
2. Shift Restrictions - Two infielders must be positioned on either side of 2B when pitch is release and all four infielders must have both feet within the infield when pitcher is on rubber.
3. Bigger Bases - First, second and third base are now bigger, having grown from 15" to 18".

Another great aspect of attending Spring Training is the opportunity to interact with the players. During practice sessions, players often sign autographs and take pictures with fans. This is a great way to get up close and personal with the players and create lasting memories.

Attending MLB Spring Training is a unique and exciting experience for baseball fans. It provides an opportunity to see the players up close and personal, watch them prepare for the upcoming season, and create lasting memories. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for a fun getaway, Spring Training is definitely worth checking out.