With the crack of the bat, a Seattle Mariners player made it safe to first base.
A beautiful sunny day in Phoenix, Ariz. with its vivid blue sky interspersed with some puffy white clouds, allowed me to soak in the sounds on the field, stands and concessions — a perfect day for a Canadian at a baseball game during spring break.
The weather in Arizona in March is typically in the mid-70 °F, but this year was a bit warmer, reaching 80 degrees during my visit.
I was attending my first Cactus League baseball game watching the Seattle Mariners play the Arizona Diamondbacks. For those who’ve never heard of the Cactus League, it’s spring training for professional baseball teams before season opening.
The teams can try out new players and work out their roster. Even better, baseball fans can get down to the fences, close to their heroes, and get an autograph or two.
For me, that day was more than just sitting in my seat and watching the game. It started with a tour of Salt River Fields at Talking Stick stadium. Walking around the entire field, you get different perspectives from behind the plate, first base, the outfield and more. The bright-green grass baseball diamond was neatly manicured by lawn mowers, which left stripes across the field. There are also vendors around the field, selling food and drink, as well as baseball gear including T-shirts, jerseys and baseball caps. And you don’t have to spend a huge amount of money on a ticket to get a good seat. For me, a seat behind home plate was $24 US. For those who brought a blanket, there was general seating on the grass in the outfield for $11 — great for an entire family. And if your children want to play, there’s a miniature baseball diamond at the park where staff will supervise children.
In the game I attended, Seattle’s bats were hot, bringing in many players ‘round home plate. Surprisingly, many Seattle Mariners fans were in attendance. With the game being held in Phoenix, and the hometown Diamondbacks playing, I figured the stadium would have had just a few Seattle fans, but there were lots. And it seemed that many fans knew each other, either from earlier games in the season, or the fact they regularly make the pilgrimage to Phoenix to watch the Cactus League games every year. It was a very friendly atmosphere.
But of course, along with watching the game and getting a tan, there were the concessions. Everyone wants to eat a hotdog while watching baseball. It might seem cliché, but it’s something everyone wants to try. So yes there were hotdogs, and yes I did enjoy one, along with Red Rock fries. But once fans finish that hotdog, their eyes and nose will lead them to the other foods available at the stadium. Baseball fans can sample southern barbecued beef or chicken, Mexican food from the Salty Señoritas stand along the first base line, New York City style pizza along third base, along with ice cream and so much more. Drink offerings include soft drinks, but you can also buy wine and local micro-brewed beers. I discovered that between the food, drink, warm sunny weather and entertainment on the field, it’s easy to enjoy a relaxing afternoon at a baseball game in Arizona.
