PHOENIX — The Arizona capital is Seattle’s opposite, weather-wise — a tempting thought for those of us growing weary of gray days. And from late February through the first of April, it offers an added baseball bonus: spring training.
The Cactus League draws fans from the West Coast, Midwest and Southwest hungry for a taste of summer even as it’s still winter back home. Everything feels relaxed and casual. Refreshments are cheap and crowds are friendly. Kids congregate to ask for players’ autographs at practices and before games. The air is dry and warm, with an occasional gentle breeze and temperatures topping out in the 80s.