America’s favorite past time started up again on February 22, 2019. Spring training for the MLB (Major League Baseball) started in Arizona and Florida. Half of the teams go to one state, and the the other half goes to the other. They picked these two states due to the warm weather and it doesn’t rain as much during the Spring in these states. Teams will be able to play on an actual field and get the feel of it before they actually start their season.
Once the day comes, the pitchers and catchers are the first to report. They begin to throw their bullpens to get ready to play during spring training. After a few days of the pitchers throwing, the teams begin to start their actual practices. They bring in rookie/newbie players that didn’t start last year and give them a chance to make the roster this year. Spring training lasts for a month, with continuous games being played so that their coaches have time to decide who they want on their roster and who they want to keep down in the AAA and AA (leagues below the Majors for players to get better a possibly make it to the Majors).
Spring training gives fans the opportunity to watch their favorite teams and players at a reasonable price. Prices vary depending on which teams play which. If two popular teams play against each other then the prices of tickets will be higher, but if a team isn’t playing a popular team then then prices will be lower. If it’s a game where two teams are from the same state, the tickets will be more expensive because it’s considered a rivalry.
“It doesn’t quite have the same energy as the actual games do. Mainly to do with the fact that they’re in Arizona and not at the White Sox actual stadium, but it was still a great and fun experience,” said senior Philip Drozd.
The regular season starts on Thursday, March 28, 2019. That’s when the teams games begin to count and the players start to actually try. This year will be the earliest opening day in history. Last year, opening day was on March 29. Even though it might not seem as much of a difference, it’s less time for the players to play and the fans to watch their favorite team. At the end of the day, it’s time to play ball.