Spring Training Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide To The Ballparks Of The Grapefruit And Cactus Leagues (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Though it has changed some in recent years, spring training continues to be a time of renewal for baseball. Teams and fans, many from the snowy climes of the north, descend on Florida and Arizona to begin preparing for what they are sure will be a trip to the World Series. With the pace of the game a little slower, fans close to the action, and players more accessible, the sport seems to return to its roots for a brief, idyllic of time. Based on the author's visits to each of the 26 current spring training ballparks - 17 in Florida and 9 in Arizona - this reference work first provides a detailed description of the ballpark as it currently exists, plus information on its history. Next comes the spring training history of the resident major league team (or teams, for the four parks that are shared), along with information about noteworthy spring training sites that were, or still are, located near the existing ballpark. Information on the area surrounding the ballpark completes the entry, focusing on other baseball and sports-related attractions in the area.~An appendix provides a full listing of every major league team's spring training sites since 1914. Heavily illustrated.

Product Details

• Paperback: 287 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (December 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786420863
• ISBN-13: 978-0786420865
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #943,855 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I've Got Spring Fever!, December 16, 2004

By	Tom Wilcox "baseball fan" (Michigan) - See all my reviews

I bought this book as a Christmas present for my son and it has turned out to be an early Christmas present for me. I've spent the last few nights reading about the diverse and fascinating ballparks of baseball's spring training season. I'm not sure if we'll finally make it to Florida or Arizona this March (I swear we're going to one of these years) but I almost feel as if I've already been there after reading some of these chapters. I've learned so much about the origins of the spring game and about how it has evolved. I now know that the Grapefruit League got its name, for example, when Casey Stengel tried to catch a grapefruit dropped from an airplane in Daytona Beach one year and it splattered all over him. I've also learned about the parks present and past that have made baseball in Arizona and Florida unique. I can't wait to visit some of these parks and to make use of the tips the authors offers for spring travelors. How many days until pitchers and catchers report?

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Put me in coach..., January 28, 2006

By	S. Raaflaub (Northern Wisconsin) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A great book if you're going to spring training and plan on spending time at multiple different ballparks. It's interesting to read the history of spring training for each team and the parks.

7 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pitchers and Catchers Reporting Soon!, January 25, 2005

By	Jane Smith "hardballfan" (Toronto, Ontario) - See all my reviews

Great details about the spring training parks and towns. Packed with photos and info for visiting tourists.

From the publisher's web site.
SYNOPSIS
Though it has changed some in recent years, spring training continues to be a time of renewal for baseball. Teams and fans, many from the snowy climes of the North, descend on Florida and Arizona to begin preparing for what they are sure will be a trip to the World Series. With the pace of the game a little slower, fans close to the action, and players more accessible, the sport seems to return to its roots for a brief, idyllic time.
Based on the author's visits to each of the 26 current spring training ballparks-17 in Florida and 9 in Arizona-this reference work first provides a detailed description of the ballpark as it currently exists, plus information on its history. Next comes the spring training history of the resident major league team (or teams, for the four parks that are shared), along with information about noteworthy spring training sites that were, or still are, located near the existing ballpark. Information on the area surrounding the ballpark completes the entry, focusing on other baseball and sports-related attractions in the area. An appendix provides a full listing of every major league team's spring training sites since 1914. Heavily illustrated.