In Major League Baseball (MLB), spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season….which 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….while drawing crowds who travel to the warm climates of Arizona and Florida to enjoy the weather….and watch their favorite teams play….whereas spring training usually coincides with spring break for many US college students.
Spring training typically starts in mid-February….and continues until just before Opening Day of the regular season….which is March 28th for the upcoming 2019 season…..as teams not scheduled to play on Opening Day will play spring training games that day. Pitchers and catchers report to spring training first because pitchers benefit from a longer training period. A few days later, position players arrive and team practice begins…..then exhibition games usually begin around the first of March.
In this video segment herewith, actor Kirk Douglas hosts the WTBS special Baseball Behind The Seams….as he takes us on a special journey to Sarasota, Florida….home of the Atlanta Braves spring training facilities as a member of the Grapefruit League….for an inside look at what spring training is all about…..which makes this video well worth the watch by any and all baseball fans.
