If you’re looking for recreational activities in Florida during the spring, and you’re a big MLB fan, you won’t want to miss out on spring training. Despite the chilly weather in most of the country, pitchers and catchers report in February each year – and spring training begins just a few weeks later, in March!
When you rent a home in Florida from Florida Sun Vacation Rentals, you’ll have the opportunity to watch some of your favorite baseball players get ready for the upcoming season. Florida is the unofficial home of spring training – with 9 MLB teams (and a few NHL and NFL teams) using the Sunshine State as their warm-weather home.
Interested in learning more about which teams you can see during spring training? Let’s get into the details about each one!
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays hold spring training at the Florida Auto Exchange Stadium in Dunedin, FL. Dunedin is a beautiful coastal town that’s full of charm and has plenty to do, with gorgeous beaches, biking trails, and more. You’re sure to love it – and enjoy watching your favorite Jays players get ready for the season.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies call Spectrum Field in Clearwater, FL their spring training home. Tickets to games are cheap, and there is plenty of seating. And of course, being in the Tampa Bay area, Clearwater is gorgeous and sunny, and home to beautiful beaches, marshlands, and more.
New York Yankees
Like many other teams, the Yankees undergo spring training in Tampa and play at the George M. Steinbrenner General Field. Tampa is one of the biggest cities on Florida’s Gulf Coast, so even if you’re not an MLB fan, you’ll find plenty to do in the area.
Tampa Bay Rays
Despite their location in Tampa Bay, the Tampa Bay Rays hold their spring training operations at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Florida. This small community is nestled to the south of Sarasota. Small and friendly, it’s near a number of state parks such as Charlotte Harbor Preserve and the Gasparilla Sound.
Pittsburgh Pirates
During the frigid winter and early spring, the Pittsburgh Pirates migrate down to LECOM Park in Bradenton, FL. Bradenton is located just south of Tampa, and it’s near Longboat Key and quite a few other tourist destinations.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers currently have a 100-year contract to keep their spring training home in Lakeland, FL, at the Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. This stadium was opened in 1966, but renovated completely in 2017 – so it’s brand-new and beautiful and ready for spring training games.
Lakeland is located in the interior of Florida, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do. Hundreds of lakes surround this little town – from tiny reservoirs and ponds to enormous lakes such as Lake Parker and Lake Hancock. There are ample opportunities for boating, lounging by the beach, and exploring the scenic beauty of central Florida.
Atlanta Braves
The Braves compete at Champion Stadium, located in the ESPN Wide World Of Sports complex at The Walt Disney World Resort. If you’re an MLB fan looking to please the whole family, a trip to Champion Stadium near Orlando is sure to please. Dad can watch The Braves, Mom can relax at the resort, and the kids can enjoy everything that Walt Disney World has to offer!
Florida – Your Home For Spring Training Games!
As you can see, you’re spoiled for choices when spring rolls around, and pitchers and catchers report for spring training. Come to Florida, and you’ll be able to see any – or all – of these teams get ready for the MLB season. Don’t wait – rent your vacation home today.
