One of the most popular activities during the Spring Training season in Arizona is getting autographs. Cactus League Baseball is exhibition baseball; the stadiums are smaller, and the ball players are generally more accessible. Because there are 12 teams that play in the Cactus League for more than a month there is never a better time to see many of your favorite ball players up close and personal. Some major league players, past and present, live in Arizona all year round. Wouldn't you like to get Joe Garagiola's autograph, or Ryne Sandberg's? How about Harmon Killebrew's or Robin Yount's? Who knows--maybe you'll run into them this season.
So where do people go to get autographs?
Spring Training Practice Sessions
(all times and locations are subject to change)All the teams practice prior to the season starting and in between games. The pitchers usually report for first practices in mid-February, and the position players usually begin practice the following week.
Here are the practice locations for the teams:
Anaheim Angels: Practice at Tempe Diablo Stadium starting at 10 a.m.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Practice at the Tucson Electric Park sports complex starting at 9:30 a.m.
Chicago Cubs: Practice at Fitch Park, 655 N. Center Street, Mesa, just south of HoHoKam Park, starting at 9:30 a.m.
Chicago White Sox: Practice at Tucson Electric Park starting at 9:30 a.m.
Colorado Rockies: Practice at US West Sports Complex at Hi Corbett Field starting at 9:30 a.m.
Kansas City Royals: Practice at Surprise Stadium practice fields starting at 9 a.m.
Milwaukee Brewers: Practice at Maryvale practice fields starting at 9:30 a.m.
Oakland Athletics: Practice at Papago Baseball Facility in Phoenix, Galvin Parkway/64th Street and McDowell Rd. starting at 9 a.m.
San Diego Padres: Practice at Peoria Sports Complex starting at 9:30 a.m.
San Francisco Giants: Practice at Indian Bend Park, 415 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, starting around 9 a.m.
Seattle Mariners: Practice at Peoria Sports Complex starting at 10 a.m.
Texas Rangers: Practice at Surprise Stadium practice fields starting at 9 a.m.
Restaurants/Bars
Alice Coopers'town
Downtown Phoenix. Owned by Alice Cooper and others including Randy Johnson, this is a popular spot for pro athletes and fans alike to congregate for some barbecue.
Don and Charlie's
Scottsdale. When ball players (or anyone else!) want ribs, you might see them at this popular eating establishment. Even if you don't get an autograph, you'll enjoy the sports memorabilia.
Fox Sports Grill
North Scottsdale and Glendale. An upscale sports bar and restaurant where there's also a broadcast booth for FOX Sports.
McDuffy's
Peoria and Chandler. A very popular sports bar that used to be in Tempe.
The Pink Pony
Downtown Scottsdale. Many famous ball players have eaten here over the years. 480-945-6697.
Radius and Axis
Scottsdale. These are both popular night clubs in Scottsdale. Radius is a "high energy dance club" and Axis has food and music videos. They are located side by side. Visiting famous folks of many kinds, including athletes, have been known to frequent this spot.
Sluggo's Sports Grill
Mesa. Cubs fans are very familiar with this spot originally owned by Harry Caray and Steve Stone. It used to be "Harry and Steve's Chicago Grill." It is still one of the most popular places to go after a Cubs game.
Know of other places to see famous baseball players? Drop me an email at phoenix@about.com!
Everything you need to know to get in on Cactus League action -- team schedules, tickets, stadium information, maps, team gear, photos -- can be found in the Arizona Spring Training, Cactus League Guide.
