Dream Team

Indians, Dodgers spurn Grapefruit League for Arizona’s world-class party

Comments (0) By Clay McNear Thursday, Feb 19 2009

Despite their recent close shave, the Arizona Cardinals have never won the Super Bowl.

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In 40 years, the Phoenix Suns are 0-for-NBA title.

The Phoenix Coyotes . . . never mind.

Of the four major pro sports in Arizona, only one has achieved true world-class status: baseball. The Arizona Diamondbacks took the Series in 2001, and Cactus League spring training continues to boggle the mind with its annual growth and impact. Only three teams trained here in the mid-’60s, and only eight as recently as 1988. This year, the CL welcomes permanent new additions the Cleveland Indians and L.A. Dodgers. In 2010, the Cincinnati Reds will relocate from Sarasota to Goodyear, and with the Reds will come parity with Florida’s once-dominant Grapefruit League, as both the Cactus and Grapefruit circuits will boast 15 teams. Un-friggin’-believable.

This year’s Cactus League slate kicks off Wednesday, February 25. All teams will be in action, but one top draws is the San Francisco Giants versus the Indians at brand-new Goodyear Ballpark.

Wed., Feb. 25, 1:05 p.m., 2009