I know it is spring here in Arizona because the myriad of ballparks are filled with the sounds of hardwood contacting horsehide. Yes, Spring Training for Major League Baseball is underway. And, of course, this past week the temperatures were in the 55 to 85 degree range. Winter in the desert.

Back in the day, when there were no teams in the west, spring training was hosted by the State of Florida. Even when the Dodgers and Giants moved to the west coast they continued to go to Florida because they needed to have teams to play against. Vero Beach (Dodgertown), FL is still in action. As for the ballplayers, it is the same wherever they go. There are the veterans who feel confident as to their place on the team (a very small number) and everyone else.

Several teams will have the latest “phenom.” You know, the next Babe Ruth or Jackie Robinson or Bob Feller. They look great early, but are they the real deal? Could they really hit the curveball … the one they are going to see as the pitchers get in shape? Trying to make a major league sports team is a real challenge. The vets are working hard to keep their jobs and the rookies and newcomers are doing their damndest to take it away. And, you could be, in a short-time, teammates. I have had that experience (in a different sport) with  three children’s well-being at stake. A real test.

With the expansion of Major League Baseball, it eventually became clear that Arizona made sense as a spring training destination. It is now one of the best revenue generators for Phoenix and surrounding environs. A place where the midwest “snowbirds” can come and work on their tans.

You can see a ballgame everyday with two teams you haven’t seen yet. You can can live in Southern Cal or the Bay Area and hop over to Phoenix and see two or three teams play that you would rarely see during the regular season. Given the wins and losses don’t count toward the regular season, you can just relax, have a beer and a hot dog and enjoy the baseball. Every once in awhile you do see the next phenom and you can brag to your neighbors how you knew right away that he was the next hall-of-famer.

Don’t forget …

Check out Coach Todd’s books on personal performance in the bookstore. Easy reading and a great way to support your own performance.