SPRING TRAINING

Players report soon, but Cactus League crews are way ahead of the game

Fans will bring their peanuts and sunscreen to spring training stadiums across the Valley next week. For the field crews behind the scenes, it’s a year-round game.

Glen Aveson, left, and Kevin Denney are the respective superintendents for fields for each club that shares space at Camelback Ranch-Glendale.

(Independent Newsmedia/Steve Stockmar)

Dylan Aguon gets in some mowing at Camelback Ranch-Glendale on Jan. 15.

(Independent Newsmedia/Steve Stockmar)

Artie Smith keeps the surface at Camelback Ranch-Glendale at the same quality standards as Major League Baseball stadiums across the U.S.

(Independent Newsmedia/Steve Stockmar)

Dylan Aguon and Artie Smith move a backstop into place on a back practice field at Camelback Ranch-Glendale on Jan. 15.

(Steve Stockmar/Independent Newsmedia/Steve Stockmar)

Editor's note: This article first appeared in Sun Life Magazine, a Daily Independent publication.

When the last scrap of confetti lands on the Super Bowl champion on Sunday, the sports world will turn its collective page to baseball.

In the West Valley, pitchers and catchers for some clubs report to spring training as early as two days after the Super Bowl, on Tuesday, Feb. 10, including the White Sox at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Their ballpark mates at The Ranch, the Dodgers, report shortly thereafter on Feb. 13.

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers starting at $5 for your first month and support local, unbiased journalism.

Already have an account? Log in to continue.

Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

The latest edition of the Phoenix Independent

View this issue

Browse other issues

Latest Opinions

U.S. vs. Mexico: ‘War’ that ends at final whistle in Glendale

OPINION — On Saturday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m., the United States’ men’s soccer team will play Mexico at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. On paper, it is a friendly. Nobody in my family …

Trump, GOP don’t embody the Cowboy Code

OPINION — I used to be a Republican. I voted for Ronald Reagan. To me, Reagan embodied the Cowboy Code of actor singer Gene Autry. The code included that the cowboy must never shoot …

Goodyear is building; D.C. keeps getting in the way

OPINION — Goodyear is one of the fastest-growing cities in America. Every month we approve homes, break ground on employment sites and work to keep power and water ahead of demand.

Will the real Republicans please step forward?

OPINION — I have a question for Paul Cahill, who wondered in a recent letter to the editor where America’s real Democrats are. ... I’ll ask: Will the real Republicans please step …

America's Charters of Freedom give Arizonans the power to bargain

OPINION — I’m replying to Annarose Lilly’s labor bargaining comments. America's Charters of Freedom already give Arizonans the power to bargain, so why would they pay a third …

Most recent

Saints placing running back Travis Etienne Jr. on injured reserve

New Orleans Saints coach Kellen Moore says running back Travis Etienne Jr. is being placed on injured reserve. The move means Etienne will miss a minimum of four games. His earliest possible return …

Paradise Valley volunteer police officer Howard Hecker remembered for decades of service

What to know about Christa Pike, who survived a lethal injection execution attempt in Tennessee

G20 trade talks yield little progress while tensions simmer

Women's basketball player from Senegal has deportation order rescinded after arrest by ICE

Carly Rae Jepsen bringing 2027 tour to Phoenix