Florida Grapefruit League Spring Training

Related Cities & Topics:

View Full Size

Detroit Tigers Spring Training in Lakeland

Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

View Full Size

Enjoying the Cincinnati Reds Spring Training in Sarasota is my daughter's favorite Florida pastime.

Photo Credit: Kimberly Ripley

Major League Baseball's 'Boys of Spring' play all around Central and South Florida. Here's a road map to help you plan a spring training-inspired family getaway.

1. Jupiter

The St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins both train at Roger Dean Stadium, the busiest in Florida and one of the busiest in the nation. You're almost guaranteed a game since two teams play here. After the ballgame, grab a slice at Nick's Tomato Pie, one mile east of Interstate 95, or check out oceanfront Dubois Park, an 18-acre beach ideal for family fun. (561-775-1818, www.rogerdeanstadium.com)

2. Lakeland

The Detroit Tigers train in Lakeland, located under an hour southwest of Orlando. The team has been training in "Tiger Town" for more than 70 years, making it the longest-standing relationship between a Major League team and its spring training city. If you visit the big Orlando theme parks in the spring, make time to take in a game with family and friends. (detroittigers.com)

3. Kissimmee

The Houston Astros make themselves at home in Osceola County Stadium. This is cowboy country, so it's fitting that Texans play here. While in town, visit the classic Florida theme park Gatorland for reptile wrestling and animal shows that are sure to thrill the kids. Or round up the family for Dude ranch-style fun at nearby Westgate River Ranch Resort. (321-697-3200, www.houstonastros.com)
 

4. Orlando

Watch the Atlanta Braves at Champion® Stadium at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista. Nicer than most regular season facilities, this stadium has 90 percent of its seats between the bases. Plus, the Disney theme parks are right next door. (407-939-4263, espnwwos.com)
 

5. Clearwater

The Philadelphia Phillies play at Bright House Field on Old Coachman Road. Built in 2004, this is one of the best ballparks in the Grapefruit League. There's not a bad seat in the house, and being home to Philly fans, you can't find a better cheesesteak. In the evening, take the family out to Clearwater Beach's Pier 60 on the Gulf of Mexico for one of the best sunset celebrations in Florida. (727-467-4457, www.phillies.com)
 

6. Port Charlotte

The Tampa Bay Rays train just a few hours south of their home turf. Catch their spring training games in Port Charlotte at Charlotte Sports Park. The park was recently renovated and just began hosting the Rays in 2009. (888-FAN-RAYS, www.raysbaseball.com)

7. Sarasota

The Baltimore Orioles spend spring at Ed Smith Stadium, where a strong local fan base helps keep the stands packed. The stadium isn't far from famous Sarasota hotspots Siesta Key Beach and St. Armands Circle, where you can window shop, get a bite to eat and enjoy an ice cream cone from one of several sweet shops. (941-954-4101, www.orioles.com)

8. Fort Myers

The Minnesota Twins play in Hammond Stadium at Lee County Sports Complex, and the Boston Red Sox play at JetBlue Park. After the game, get inspired by a visit to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates before settling down at the Farmer's Market Restaurant for some down-home country cooking. (800-33-TWINS, www.twinsbaseball.com / 617-482-4SOX, www.redsox.com)

Florida's Grapefruit League is made up of 15 teams playing in 13 cities:

• Atlanta Braves, Lake Buena Vista
• Baltimore Orioles, Sarasota
• Boston Red Sox, Fort Myers
• Detroit Tigers, Lakeland
• Miami Marlins, Jupiter
• St. Louis Cardinals, Jupiter
• Houston Astros, Kissimmee
• Minnesota Twins, Fort Myers
• New York Mets, Port St. Lucie
• New York Yankees, Tampa
• Philadelphia Phillies, Clearwater
• Pittsburgh Pirates, Bradenton
• Tampa Bay Rays, Port Charlotte
• Toronto Blue Jays, Dunedin
• Washington Nationals, Viera