A Fan's Guide to the Game
The Grapefruit League as a whole is the largest sporting event east of the Mississippi. Every year, millions of fans flock to Florida Spring training stadiums to partake in baseball nirvana. Fifteen Major League teams make Florida their baseball home for the month of March.
To get the most out of your baseball vacation, try to hit as many stadiums as possible. The stadiums of Florida's Grapefruit League are sprawled across the state from Orlando and Tampa to Ft. Myers and Fort Lauderdale. Staying someplace central will allow you more games to choose from. The Tampa area seems to be a good bet for many. There are four stadiums rather close while Kissimmee (Astros) and Orlando (Braves) are not too far away.
For Red Sox Nation, the hot spot this year will be Ft. Myers. The Twins are not a bad draw either.
A quick drive down Florida's east coast will get you to the Mets, Marlins and Cardinals.
No matter where you go, you can't go wrong. There is a certain atmosphere in the spring Florida air that is hard to describe, you just have to experience it for yourself. If you get the chance, try to catch a couple of games this season. Enjoy the warm Florida sun, giant hot dogs, draft beer and Major League baseball in tiny stadiums. Does it get any better than this?