Spring Training is wrapping, which can only mean one thing; Opening Day is upon us.  I recently took a trip to Arizona, where I spent a week basking in the sun, baseball, and nightlife and all the glory Spring Training has to offer.  I had so much fun, I’m already planning my next trip.  Let me give you some tips on how to survive Spring Training and make the most out of your time and money. 

Hopefully my next trip to Arizona is with my eDraft family.

1. If You Can’t Stand the Heat, Get Out of the Kitchen.

Here’s something you should know.  Arizona is HOT.  And when you spend most of your time in cold weather, and cubicles during the month of March (like I do), Arizona’s heat will hit you like a Felix Hernandez fastball.  Make sure you stay hydrated (and not just with beer), you don’t realize you’re going to be watching a three-four hour baseball game (and maybe even another one right afterwards), then go out that night, so make sure you drink plenty of water, that way you can last the whole game.  Luckily, if it gets too hot and you have to leave the game, every store and restaurant is around 60 degrees.  You won’t suffer.

2. Stay Around Kids at the Games.

This sounds kind of strange, but if you were a Major League Baseball player, and a cute kid walked up and asked for an autograph or a game ball could you say no?  If you have a heart, the answer is probably no.  I was at a Padres/Diamondbacks game right behind the dugout and the players would throw game balls left and right to kids.  Jedd Gyorko of the Padres even showed true class when he walked up to a kid, gave an autograph and shook his hand, then threw a ball to another fan and tipped his cap.  So make sure you stick around them, if they spot you, and give a good puppy dog eye, consider yourself leaving the game with an awesome souvenir.

3. Don’t be Afraid to Ask For Autographs.

Ask any one of my friends, I refuse to ask for autographs, I just can’t seem to muster up the courage.  For instance, Hunter Pence was talking to me at his game last week, and I could barely say “Hello,” back, let alone ask for an autograph.  Luckily, if you are at a spring training game, most of the time the players are super down to earth and are willing to take a picture with you and sign anything.  Bring a ton of baseballs, and don’t worry, they allow them in your carryon. 

4. There’s No Such Thing as too Much Baseball.

You may have a favorite baseball team, or even one you can’t stand, but if you are a real baseball fanatic, go to every game you possibly can.  Check on stubhub as well.  I ended up getting tickets right behind the Padres dugout last minute for super cheap.  So you never know who you may spot.  I saw some prospects that I will now be paying attention to because I know they will have some awesome careers.  I got to witness Mike Trout, Jered Weaver, Matt Kemp, and even Buster Posey on the field, and I was in absolutely awe.  Who knows if you will ever get the chance to see those players again, especially ones that will be known in MLB history?  Don’t waste a moment to see any players or teams while you’re there.

5. Grocery Shop.

Not Thrift Shop Macklemore, grocery shop.  Remember the annoying grunt you give when you see the price of that $8.00 beer?  Well imagine my dismay when I saw the $10.50 beer.  I was not a happy girl.  Grocery shop where everything is cheaper, and you get to choose whatever you want.  Then you pregame at your car, and you meet some awesome people tailgating, and that’s a great way to meet fellow fans and baseball lovers.  But make sure you bring cash, I can’t think of anything more perfect than baseball and beer, let yourself splurge a little.

6. Have Fun.

This is the most important.  For me, Spring Training was on my bucket list.  That, and to be pied by Josh Reddick, but I’m glad I went about it the way I did.  I didn’t take things too seriously, or stress.  I even had to help some coworkers cover games, and still managed to have a blast.  One minute I was dancing with my twitter friends, the next I was at dinner with a Baseball Tonight analyst.  Any opportunities you have while you are there, take them.