Well, the teams may not be at bat till the first week in March, but starting in January, the states of Arizona and Florida begin prepping their stadiums and souvenirs for the Spring Training season. 

Arizona's Cactus League is celebrating 50 years of tradition in 2004, with 12 Major League teams (nine of them in the Phoenix area) enjoying the mid-70s°F climate, beauty and great Mexican food of the Sonoran desert. Due to the smaller stadium size, fans' enthusiasm and cheap admission prices, families will find it much easier to get autographs, snag foul balls and attend several games, sometimes two in one day! The state's new resource, www.ArizonaScenicRoads.com makes it more fun to drive around the state. Check out the Greater Phoenix C&VB for accommodations during this period at www.visitphoenix.com; they are reminding fans that Phoenix Municipal Stadium has undergone extensive upgrades to provide more fan comfort. 

Back East, the city of Ft. Lauderdale is trying to raise money to upgrade their stadium as a permanent home for the Marlins. In March, 17 other Major League teams arrive to take part in Florida's Grapefruit League, from as far and cold away as Montréal. Your family can catch the Phillies in Clearwater, the Dodgers in Vero Beach, the Yanks in Tampa, the Royals in Davenport and more... or visit the Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame in Hernando. 

To review the players' stats and make the most of your time in either state, get a copy of Spring Training Magazine or the "Spring Training Baseball Yearbook" by calling 800/473-1656 or ordering online at www.springtrainingmagazine.com