Heading south for Spring Training is an American institution as old as baseball! Say good-bye to winter. Soak up the sun in the stands of a Grapefruit League ballpark. Say hello to this Spring Training Visitors Guide we’ve assembled.
A Tradition Built on Fun in the Sun
The history of Spring Training began in 1886. The Chicago White Stockings (now the Cubs) traveled to Hot Springs, Arkansas. They went to prepare for the coming season far away from the frigid temperatures of the Windy City.
Nowadays, Major League Baseball teams practice either in Florida or Arizona. Two states renowned for year-round sunshine and fabulous vacationing infrastructure.
Fans love Spring Training because it provides an excellent opportunity to get up close and personal with Big League players. Local communities adopt their snowbird teams just as if they were their own.
Taylor Morrison Sticks Close to the Action
Are you a Spring Training junkie contemplating a permanent move south? Taylor Morrison offers a variety of fantastic communities located within a short drive of stadiums. Tour new homes in paradise as part of your baseball travel plans for 2017. See why MLB teams flock back to Arizona and Florida year after year.
Grapefruit League Stadiums and Florida Real Estate
A little piece of Spring Training trivia. In the Cactus League, multiple teams share the same stadium. However, in the Grapefruit League every team uses a different facility. Spreading the baseball love up and down the peninsula!
Check out these stadiums when visiting the Sunshine State:
- Orlando communities are just a short drive to Champion Stadium in Lake Buena Vista where the Atlanta Braves train.
- The Tampa area features a pair of Spring Training facilities. The New York Yankees call George M. Steinbrenner Field home and the Philadelphia Phillies suit up at Spectrum Field in Clearwater.
- Baltimore Orioles fans will find 5 Sarasota communities close to Ed Smith Stadium. The Pittsburgh Pirates play at McKechnie Field in Bradenton near Esplanade Golf and Country Club at Lakewood Ranch.
- Fort Myers new home owners have their pick of two stadiums. Hammond Stadium is home to the Minnesota Twins. JetBlue Park is where the Boston Red Sox play.
Mark Your Calendars
Spring training workouts run February 14 through February 21. Browse the official MLB Spring Training page for more details.
Game dates run Thursday, February 23, 2017 to Saturday, April 1, 2017. Find Grapefruit League schedule info here. Purchase tickets online to see all the action from the stands!
For days when the boys of summer aren’t playing, check out local breweries and wineries. Get some exercise on fantastic walking trails near Taylor Morrison communities.
It’s Time for Spring Baseball!
Be sure to visit a few different stadiums. Download a stadium map before you go. Most of all tour a variety of communities. Get a feel for which Spring Training destination is right for you!
For additional fun during your trip down south, check out our Florida Vacation Guide. And for all you gourmets, Taylor Morrison’s Florida Foodie Tour.
