Big week for Major League Baseball as spring training hits off, players will report and participate in their first full workout. The first team being the Miami Marlins hosting their first full practice Monday February 22, in Jupiter, Florida and the last team the Minnesota Twins reporting Saturday February 27, in Fort Myers, Florida. This will be the first time all the players will be back together since last season and also a first for the new players.
Spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games prior to the start of the season. Spring training gives new players the oppertunity to try out for their roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to the start of the season. Spring training is usually held at the professional teams minor league facilities either in Florida or Arizona. Nicknamed the grapefruit league (Florida) and the cactus league (Arizona) after the plants of each of the state.
Spring training is an exciting time for not only the fans but the players too. The games are entirely exhibition and have no affect on the regular season record. Even though the wins and loses don’t matter spring training is very important for the players and coaches as the players are assessed by their coaches and organizations on their performances. Based on the evaluations players are assigned to their appropriate teams either in the Minor Leagues or the Major Leagues.
The first spring training games will begin Tuesday March 1, with the Blue Jays, Braves, Indians, Orioles, Phillies, Pirates, Reds, and Tigers all competing. The Braves and Orioles will be among the first to play. Pitching off at 1:05PM at Champion stadium in Orlando, Florida. Tickets and schedules are available now at www.mlb.com