Arizona’s warm desert breeze and vibrant atmosphere make it the perfect backdrop for spring training - and MLB players agree. As the Cactus League kicks off each season, players from across the country gather in the Grand Canyon state to prepare for the upcoming season.
In this piece, we explore why Arizona holds a special place in the hearts of some of the league’s most beloved players as they share their personal insights into what makes the Valley the ultimate spring training destination.
"Spring training is a crucial time for [MLB] players and our clinic as it sets the foundation for peak performance and injury prevention throughout the season,” said Dr. Sean Drake of Moderne Athlete in Scottsdale. An accomplished expert in sports-specific movement and recovery, Dr. Drake plays a crucial role for players in the Cactus League.
“Spring training is all about setting a strong physical and mental foundation for the season ahead, ensuring players are resilient, explosive, and ready to perform at their best.”
With this in mind, we caught up with a handful of MLB players to ask: “What do you enjoy most about spring training in Arizona?”
Garrett Hill: Seattle Mariners
"I think Arizona is such a great place for both baseball and baseball players because there is everything you could ask for to have the opportunity to be your best self. Having the best facilities attracts the best players too in my opinion. There are a lot of gyms that claim to be the best, but I believe I found the best after Dr. Drake recommended APEX Performance Facility to me at the beginning of the off-season. Being able to have the opportunity to work with big leaguers every morning, people who can network and give me suggestions where I can be my best is a huge blessing. It’s things like that that make moving out here worth it.
This is my first Cactus League spring training, which is so nice because I live in Scottsdale all off-season and I didn’t need to leave this year to go to Florida. I’m from California, so Arizona caters to me really well with my family being able to take a quick weekend visit too, which wasn’t able to happen during the Citrus spring training.
Another great thing is the travel is 30-45 minutes max whereas that was the minimum for anywhere in Florida and usually it was closer to 1.5 hours there. It’s a 40-minute drive to Peoria every morning so I still can live at home while I go to spring training every morning and then come home and sleep in my own bed. I would also be remiss if I didn’t talk about the weather, as it is impossible to beat for throwing purposes. It’s sunny every day so I never need to worry about finding an indoor spot or even not throwing outside like you would in the Midwest or Northeast.”
Greg Allen: Chicago Cubs
“I love the sunny weather and how easy it is to travel for games. Each field offers different, gorgeous views of Arizona.”
Jonny Farmelo: Seattle Mariners
“It’s amazing to have spring training here in Arizona. The weather is amazing, and it rarely rains, as opposed to Florida, where they get hit quite a bit, so you know you're going to get to play a lot. Everything is super close and the furthest you travel to play is roughly 45 minutes. I've heard that in Florida guys have to travel up to 6 hours to get some games in.
In addition to the proximity, there is always something going on. There are a lot of cool events and attractions, including the Waste Management Phoenix Open, the Innings Festival, hiking, and shopping destinations. Also, the food options are endless. Arizona is a great spot for families to come visit and catch some baseball while sneaking in a small vacation.”
Jordan Montgomery: Arizona Diamondbacks
“This is my first spring training here in Arizona for the Cactus League, and the travel time between different team fields is unbelievably convenient and quick. While Arizona experienced some much-needed rain, it’s still the best weather ever.”
Mason Miller: Oakland Athletics
“Arizona is so enjoyable during the Cactus League with great food, great golf, and awesome weather. Arizona is a welcome change for guys coming from colder climates to prepare for the big league season and provides close proximity to teams and countless opportunities away from the field. And, Dr. Drake is a gifted professional who uses unique methods that help athletes take extra steps they didn’t even know they had.”
Matt Chapman: San Francisco Giants
“Cactus League spring training is just the best. I can’t tell you how nice it is to have spring training in your own backyard when you live here in Arizona. Another huge plus is that it's great to have Dr. Drake work on me as part of my spring training routine and during the off-season. Being a resident in Arizona also makes it really great for my family and friends to be able to come out to games and experience spring training with me.”
Mike Massey: Kansas City Royals
"As professional athletes, we are all obsessed with the climb to reach the top of the mountain in our industry. Spring training with Dr. Drake is his pursuit of being the best for him and for us. It’s that quality that makes him and his practice so appealing. Iron sharpens iron, and while I believe he is already one of the best in the world, his desire to constantly improve and learn is what connects him to his athletes so well.”
For more information about Cactus League Spring Training visit cactusleague.com. For information about specific teams or regular season tickets visit mlb.com.
