When I retire, part of my goal is to be able to regularly see my Detroit Tigers play and practice during spring training in Lakeland, Florida. Part of this goal is to travel from Michigan to Florida in a large RV where I will easily adjust to Florida weather, hurricane, or severe storm – does not matter because should inclement weather happen, I will hop in my RV, head back north, and drive to safety.
According to Major League Baseball (MLB), you can go to Tiger’s spring training games, “Detroit Tigers Spring Training at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium is an experience like no other. Catch Tigers games in premium seating, unwind at the Corona Cabana Bar, or spread out under the sunshine on the family-friendly berm. Plus, cheer on your Tigers and the future stars while enjoying a wide array of family activities, stunning 360 views, local cuisines, and Central Florida’s best frozen cocktails.
In Lakeland, you’ll enjoy a charming small-town-community atmosphere with big-city amenities and attractions. Join us, create unforgettable family memories and experience Tigers Spring Training excitement firsthand!”
Since I was a little girl, I have loved to play, watch, practice – eat, sleep and breathe baseball. As a Michigander, naturally, my favorite team is the Detroit Tigers, and at just eleven years old, during the honeymoon phase of my love affair, I got to see my team win the World Series.
I will never forget seeing a full-page photo of Kirk Gibson on the cover of The Detroit Free Press. It was shot by photographer and photo editor Mary Schroeder at Game 5 of the 1984 World Series after Gibson hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning, which ended up being a crucial moment that clinched the Tigers’ World Series win.
Every year, when my mom signed me up for Little League, the cost included two free tickets to a Tiger’s exhibition game, with seats along the third base line. While she also loved to watch Tiger’s baseball, she gave her ticket to her dad, my grandpa (Pops). It became a treasured tradition with me and my Pops – our trips down to Tiger Stadium on Michigan Avenue and Trumbull (now Comerica Park on Woodward Avenue) will always be some of my favorite memories.
Like clockwork, every year, he would tell me the story about how his father helped to build the roads by the ballpark – by hand, brick by brick, my great-grandfather worked hard to help create the now historic brick roads in Downtown Detroit.
What’s the point of spring training in MLB
Wikipedia notes the following facts about MLB spring training, “Spring training, also called Spring Camp is the preseason of the Summer Professional Baseball Leagues, such as Major League Baseball (MLB), a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives established players practice time prior to competitive play. Spring training has always attracted fan attention, drawing crowds who travel to the warm climates (MLB goes to Arizona and Florida,”.
As a young child with my Pops, we loved to watch not only Tigers baseball but also Lions football and Red Wings hockey. He was a real sports guy! In fact, when he was a young man, he went semi-pro as a pitcher and shortstop in the AAA league here in Detroit, Michigan. During spring training, ball players are recruited from the farm leagues, which include:
- Rookie League
- Single-A
- High-A
- AA (or Double-A)
- AAA (or Triple-A)
By the time I came around, my Pops couldn’t throw anymore, nor could he run. When it came time for him to teach me how to play the game of baseball, he had to throw side-arm to me, but he could catch like a pro still, as long as I didn’t make him move too much to get the ball. As a result, I quickly learned how to throw a baseball accurately. He taught me everything he knew about the game, and I fell in love with baseball.
He even came to all of my games and practices because I wanted his guidance on how to be a better player. I had some good coaches over the years, but he was the greatest in my mind, so who better to learn from? To say that he or I love the game of baseball would be an understatement because we even loved to watch spring training games!
Is double AA better than Triple-A?
Directly from MLB, “The closest level to the majors, Triple-A is filled with all kinds of players. Some are the game’s rising stars, although some of the best players can skip Triple-A and move directly from Double-A to the major leagues. Triple-A is also full of players who have major league experience, some of them having quite a bit of it, as well as established major league players that are rehabbing from injuries that have kept them out of action for an extended period of time. With the combination of old and new stars as well as the occasional major leaguer or two, Triple-A baseball is a fan-favorite place to see all kinds of fan favorite players,”.
MLB Farm Leagues, from lowest to highest, are as follows:
- Rookie Ball/Short Season
- Low/High-A Ball
- Double-A Ball
- Triple-A Ball
Especially with my connection to baseball as a player and a fan, as well as with my grandpa, attending games and being in that environment will likely bring back cherished memories while creating new ones, hopefully with my grandchildren.
Spring training combines the thrill of baseball with the charm of a community atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for any baseball enthusiast. My plan to travel and enjoy this experience in my dream RV will be exciting and flexible, giving me the freedom to chase baseball dreams while being prepared for any weather changes.
Can you go to spring training games
In conclusion, by attending spring training games, I will be able to reconnect with my lifelong love for baseball, relive cherished memories with family, and create new ones. Whether enjoying the captivating atmosphere of the ballpark, marveling at rising stars, or soaking in the Florida sun, spring training offers the perfect blend of nostalgia, community, and baseball passion.