CACTUS LEAGUE SPRING TRAINING:

Every spring, baseball fans from around the country flock to Arizona for a beloved tradition—Cactus League Spring Training. With 15 Major League Baseball (MLB) teams calling the desert home for pre-season action, the Cactus League isn’t just about the games; it’s a sun-soaked experience filled with history, community spirit, and America’s favorite pastime. If you’ve never been to a spring training game, or don’t know the history behind it, here’s everything you need to know about how the Cactus League became one of the most exciting events in baseball.

How Spring Training Began in Arizona

Spring training itself dates back to the late 19th century, but the Cactus League officially took root in 1947—thanks to a bold move by baseball legend Bill Veeck.

At the time, Florida had a monopoly on spring training with the Grapefruit League, but Veeck, then the owner of the Cleveland Indians, wanted an alternative. His motivation? Integration. He had just signed Larry Doby, the American League’s first Black player, and was concerned about the racial segregation in Florida. So, he turned to Arizona, where racial barriers weren’t as rigid.

The Cleveland Indians and the New York Giants (now San Francisco Giants) played the first Cactus League games in Tucson and Phoenix in 1947, setting the stage for what would become a baseball paradise in the desert.

Why Arizona?

The Perfect Spring Training Destination. Since those early days, the Cactus League has exploded in popularity. Here’s why:

Ideal Weather

With warm, sunny days and low humidity, Arizona offers perfect baseball weather from late February through March.

Convenience for Fans

Unlike Florida’s Grapefruit League, where teams are spread across the state, all 15 Cactus League teams play within an hour’s drive of each other in the Phoenix metro area. This makes it easy for fans to catch multiple games in one day without long road trips

Stunning Desert Backdrop

Many stadiums offer breathtaking views of Arizona’s iconic mountains, palm trees, and cacti—a unique and beautiful setting to enjoy America’s pastime.

Cactus League Teams & Stadiums

Arizona’s Cactus League is home to 15 MLB teams that train at 10 stadiums around the Phoenix area, including:

Chicago Cubs – Sloan Park (Mesa) (The league’s largest stadium!)

San Francisco Giants – Scottsdale Stadium

Los Angeles Dodgers & Chicago White Sox – Camelback Ranch (Glendale)

Arizona Diamondbacks & Colorado Rockies – Salt River Fields (Scottsdale)

Milwaukee Brewers – American Family Fields (Phoenix)

Kansas City Royals & Texas Rangers - Surprise Stadium (Surprise)

Seattle Mariners & San Diego Padres - Peoria Sports Complex (Peoria)

Oakland Athletics - Hohokam Stadium (Mesa)

Los Angeles Angels - Tempe Diablo Stadium (Tempe)

Cleveland Guardians & Cincinnati Reds - Goodyear Ballpark (Goodyear)

Beyond Baseball:

The Spring Training Experience

Cactus League games aren’t just about baseball; they’re about the experience. Unlike regular-season MLB games, spring training offers:

✔ Up-close access to players – Many fans get autographs and chat with players before games.

✔ Affordable ticket prices – Compared to regular-season MLB games, spring training is much more budget-friendly.

✔ Relaxed atmosphere – No massive crowds, just baseball in the sunshine with a laid-back vibe.

✔ Great food & drinks – Many stadiums showcase local craft beers, Southwestern flavors, and classic ballpark eats.

Plus, Phoenix offers plenty to do between games—hiking Camelback Mountain, exploring Old Town Scottsdale, and visiting landmarks like the Desert Botanical Garden.

Plan Your Trip to the Cactus League

If you’re thinking about visiting Arizona for spring training, here are a few tips:

✔ Book tickets early – Popular matchups (like Cubs vs. Dodgers) sell out fast!

✔Arrive early for autographs – Players are more relaxed and accessible before games.

✔ Dress for the sun – Bring sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen—Arizona’s sun is no joke.

✔ Check out local spots – Hit up local breweries, taco shops, and Arizona’s stunning desert scenery.

A Tradition Worth Experiencing

Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for a fun way to enjoy Arizona’s perfect spring weather, Cactus League Spring Training is a must-do experience. With its rich history, beautiful stadiums, and unforgettable atmosphere, this 70+ year tradition continues to bring baseball lovers together year after year. So, grab a glove, put on your team’s colors, and experience baseball like never before—right here in the heart of the Arizona desert.