Last week, starting on my birthday and Super Bowl Sunday, I was on a work trip in Phoenix, Arizona for ABF Freight. As I have done for previous work trips, I pre-tripped the baseball scene in the Phoenix area to see what was around that I could explore and learn more about. Jackpot doesn’t begin to describe the jackpot of baseball in Phoenix this time of year. Spring Training games, Cactus League specifically, College Invitationals – my Google search results turned up several pages of baseball goodies. And with my work finishing around 3pm every day, I would have plenty of time and sunlight to explore some of the Phoenix area’s baseball treasures. First visit, Tempe Diablo Stadium.

As I parked and walked up to the main gate area of Tempe Diablo Stadium, a giant “A” appeared and I knew exactly which team I was about to report on, the Angels. Los Angeles Angels? California Angels? Anaheim Angels? I was having a brain fart on the city/state included in their name. Nonetheless, I was at the Spring Training headquarters for the Angels, let’s just leave it at that. From my spot at the bottom of the cement staircase, I noticed an open gate. I walked up the stairs, looked around for someone, then walked into the stadium.

With pitchers and catchers and some position players arriving in a soft opening type environment, most of February Spring Training sites are going to look like this – mostly empty fields, busy concession areas, busy maintenance shacks, busy ground crews finishing important field assignments. As I was walking around the main gate area, I noticed boxes and pallets of “stuff” and posters to be hung and the business of baseball at work. Fans would be filing in to watch games in the near future and these workers were prepping for every hot dog, beer sale, T-shirt sale, and to enhance the fan experience for the short time Spring Training has.

I did see a seating chart and a schedule as I walked around the concession area towards the outfield. Here is a link to their ticket information, if you are in the area – Angels Spring Training Ticket. In addition, I noticed a large rock mass or butte with an American flag on the top just past the concession area on the 3rd base side. The seats had the Angels logo on the side of them. And then there were the history photos, which lined the concession area from the main gate down towards right field.

The photo galleries included photos of Angels greats, past and present. It goes over the history of the Angels and Tempe as well as the stadium changes and upgrades over the years. And the storied history of the Cactus League and how it came to be. Gene Autry, World Series champs, The Cubs, The Red Sox, the Brewers, Ernie Banks, just tons of Tempe baseball information. Overall, a great baseball history lesson here and the old time photos and cartoons are just spectacular.

Tempe Diablo Stadium is absolutely amazing to walk around. With no fans and no baseball being played on the field, I was just focused on the field and the views and the sunshine, which was warmer than average for February. As I made my way around the concession area then out of the stadium, I couldn’t help but think of the Angels and losing one of their best players in the recent off season free agent market. Heck, he is one of the best players in this generation and many think he is one of the best ever. I have my reservations on that one. And having another one of this generation’s best players on their current roster, who has struggled with some nagging injuries for a few years now. I am wondering if this other player will remain an Angel for his entire career or move elsewhere and compete for a World Series. I guess we shall see how he fares this season.

Leaving the stadium and heading down the cement staircase, I noticed some activity on an adjacent baseball field and walked over to the black netting covering the outfield fences. From there, behind the fences on the stones, there were wind flaps dancing up and down to expose some players working out in the bullpen area. I took my time and measured my shot and calculated the wind situation a few times to get these photos.

Ok, not great, I know. Most likely some early arrivals, maybe a few minor leaguers training, that sort of thing. I walked the perimeter of the fence to see if I could get a better vantage point, but alas, I struck out. Walking back on the sidewalk towards the parking lot, I did spot an interesting site amongst the giant rocks of a business park across the street. As I got closer to it, I was able to confirm that it was a baseball and I walked over and snagged it.

Pretty cool find and in near mint condition, just one major ding on it. Probably from whence it bounced on the road after someone, perhaps a future Hall of Fame Angels player crushed it over the fence??? Well, one can dream right? I found my rental car and popped the baseball in the cup holder, took one last look at Tempe Diablo Stadium and just knew I was going to back for a Spring Training game here in a few weeks (I’ll be back in Phoenix in 2 weeks). The mountains, the sun, the stadium visit, the baseball – what an awesome baseball experience to Tempe Diablo Stadium, home of the California team from Los Angeles that plays in Anaheim – the Angels.

One more time, here is the ticket link for Angels Spring Training Tickets.