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DRIVE TRIP

Cactus League

116.2 miles: 3 hours, 31 minutes

Peanuts, Cracker Jack and the crack of a bat signal the start of Major League Baseball spring training in the 10 Cactus League ballparks dotting the Phoenix area. Here's your chance to see obscenely overpaid ballplayers shed their winter beer bellies and gear up for the regular season in small-stadium settings where hope springs eternal (we feel your pain, Cubs fans).

1

Avondale to Phoenix

34.1 miles: 1 hours, 14 minutes

flickr/Michael J

The Indians and Reds train for the 162-game grind at Goodyear Ballpark. Up the road in Glendale, the Dodgers and White Sox share facilities at attractive Camelback Ranch, one of the league's newer stadiums. The Brewers play at nearby Maryvale Baseball Park. Downtown, take a guided tour of mammoth Chase Field, the regular-season home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2

Phoenix to Mesa

23.5 miles: 0 hours, 39 minutes

flickr/Maggie

Next, you'll take in a ballpark doubleheader featuring two trusty veterans. At old-school Tempe Diablo Stadium, home of the Angels, the rugged desert hills beyond left field make for the league's most beautiful baseball backdrop. In Mesa, the A's launch homers out of once-slumping Hohokam Stadium, completely renovated in 2015 to the tune of $26.9 million.

Recommended Stops

3

Mesa to Scottsdale

11.1 miles: 0 hours, 24 minutes

flickr/Don DeBold

Windy City pilgrims will feel at home in the Cubs' Sloan Park. From the stadium light towers to the brick wall behind home plate, this 15,000-seater is reminiscent of Chicago's Wrigley Field. Up the road, Scottsdale Stadium attracts the Giants fans to the league's most accessible park, situated amid the restaurants, nightlife, shops and resorts of tourist fave Scottsdale.

Recommended Stops

4

Scottsdale to Surprise

47.5 miles: 1 hours, 12 minutes

flickr/Michael J

No surprise the hometown Diamondbacks, along with the Rockies, inhabit what's routinely ranked as the area's finest park, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. On the west side of town, catch the Padres or Mariners in action at the Peoria Sports Complex. Nearby, your hardball drive wraps at Surprise Stadium, where the Rangers and Royals rock the diamond. Play ball!

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