if you go the last two weeks when the regulars play the most

is something every fan should do at least once. However, if time and money are a bit limited, perhaps some major-league ballparks toward the end of summer would be a better bet. Meaningful games played during a playoff run just add an intensity to the experience that I think you’ll appreciate.

No way I would do it any differently. Its a great experience and unique in that you get too see a big variety of players (stars) from other teams play within a short period. Its a laid back atmosphere but also pretty intimate — all of the parks are very small putting every seat in a close proximity to the action. Hitting all the parks is cool, and a awesome thing to do with your old man, but I would argue that going to ST would be right up there. Sounds like your a good planner, I get all my flights, hotel, etc. all sewn up by November every year, if you get a jump on planning the cost can be reduced. While the games might be considered meaningless, there is something really neat about being out there watching your team prepare for the regular season.

I have only been to the Cactus League but there are plenty of games and stadiums to keep you busy for a week. I also think the later in the month the better but that is because the weather improves by the end of March in AZ.

… since you have already done some ballpark tours.

Also, your post title isn’t very descriptive… see if you can come up with something more interesting than “Need some advice”.

You could hit a lot of the parks in the MIdwest League and slip over to a couple of Pacific Coast League parks in Des Moines and Omaha.

I’m not sure I agree with the previous posts because I’m not sure what you want out of your trip. Spring Training can be a lot of fun but it seems to me that some of the benefits aren’t what you’re looking for. You don’t have to be an autograph hound but going to games at HoHoKam, Diablo Stadium, Peoria and Maryvale are not the same as going to major league ballparks. I enjoy experiencing the spring training ballparks (I have been to all but the newest Cactus League stadiums) but I can also say that the thrill of walking into a new major league ballpark is on a totally different level.

The benefits of spring training may be drawbacks in your mind. Its a bit more low key and relaxed. You get to see lots of minor leaguers and at times some top prospects. The stadium and atmosphere is more intimate. But if you’re looking for a major league experience, spring training might disappoint you.

…and my father and I have gone to ST 3/5 years. It is awesome. Go. It’s more intimate (you get to be much closer to players, take pictures with them, etc.), it’s cheaper, and the weather is excellent. The best part of ST to me is that you get to “follow” the Cubs around to 3, 4, 5, 6, or even more ballparks in the course of a week or two. Just like doing your MLB tour, you now get to do a tour of spring training ballparks. Go.

I have not been as enamored with my Spring Training experience, but I have to add the caveat that it was not the main purpose of my trip. Visiting relatives in Tucson and got to sneak away for Cubs- Dbacks at Tucson Electric Park. The game was good and I was in the second row behind the plate. Fans around me were mostly clueless about their own team’s roster, despite saying they were season ticket holders. Lou kept giving me funny looks for some reason- guess I was the lone Cubs jersey in that area right next to him. Pretty much went straight in to start of the game and left immediately upon it’s conclusion, so maybe if I went to a few more games or went to other parks I would feel differently. Looking back though, if that was the only reason I took the trip, I think I would have been a bit disappointed.

keep ‘em comming. I’ll likely talk to my father about it a bit next time we chat, and we obviously have a lot of time to decide.

Moose

Oh, better title?

Went for the first time to ST in 2007, not really knowing what to expect, and absolutely had a blast. As some other posters have mentioned, we waited towards the end of March so that we could see more of the regulars on the field. But loved the atmosphere…it was laid back, but the fans that travel to ST are truly baseball fans and we met lots of great fans from really, all over the country. Had never been to AZ, so that was a treat, plus the ballparks are intimate and it really was just a great experience. We plan to do ST every 2-3 years.

For one being from ChiTown, the weather break is nice. This year is not only not an exception, it’s required. I can’t remember a ChiTown winter in the past 10 that sucked so much.

Two, I have a somewhat unique situation.

One trip is to see an ex-colleague who moved there several years ago. We make it a guys weekend and head on down there for a long weekend, staying at his house; this year it’s the 5th-9th. So it’s out each night for some food, drink and a game of pool or darts, plus each game we can go to – with tailgating.

Another is to see my cousin in Tucson, though this year he’s actually going to be in ChiTown most of March. He’s a retired military guy and the last 2 years we went to Ft. Huachuca.

The last is my family vacation in Scottsdale for the kids spring break. So it’s [swimming] pool time, games, hiking near Camelback and golf at Papago. Plus we visit other relatives in Peoria, Glendale and Scottsdale.

….. this year will be my 11th or 12th year, I’ve lost track. It is ALWAYS a good time.

My wife and I are heading out this Friday am bright and early from O’Hare on the WGN Radio sponsored ST trip. Three games this weekend. 2 at HoHoKam and one at Maryvale.

We are so excited about getting the **** out of Dodge and the snow and the cold that we can barely contain ourselves.

The weekend forecast looks good. Not as hot as recent weeks, but sunny and mid-70s. Perfect.

(I say first “real” trip because I have been to one ST game before. When I was in college back in the mid-1970s, we went to a Yankees ST game in Ft. Lauderdale when we were their on our college spring break. It was fun, but why we did that and just didn’t stay on the beach apparently is a “poker tell” for how big a baseball fan I was then- and still am. Not sure how I talked my fellow travelers into going…)

I agree with everyone…spring training is a must for baseball fans. I go out every year with my sister and brother! (Always say hi to Al, Charlie, Wanda and the rest of the left-field lawn section!) We stay with family friends and go to at least 6-7 games while we are out there. Great way to relax and get out of the cold, dreary, Chicago weather. Sunshine, cold beverages, and baseball – can’t get much better than that!!