Baseball is back for all 30 Major League Baseball teams. The beginning of the baseball season starts with spring training. Many teams use this time to evaluate new and young players.
Spring Training is divided into two leagues: the Cactus League in Arizona and the Grapefruit League in Florida, each league has 15 teams in it. Almost every day teams play games from February 20th to March 24th, for players it allows them to get into game shape. They are able to get down their timing and be conditioned for the long season up ahead. Spring training is especially important for the young players, because it is a time to impress the coaches, so they can hopefully make the opening day roster. This is also where young players see major league pitching for some of the first times.
However, this year the World Baseball Classic is going on during spring training, which only happens every four years. The World Baseball Classic is an international baseball tournament featuring national teams from around the world. It combines 20 national teams, all working towards the goal to win this tournament.
“It’s cool to see some of the MLB players be able to represent their home country during this tournament,” junior Chase Capstick said.
The offseason has brought several major players to new teams. A few of these players were Marcus Semien, Walker Buehler and Pete Alonso. The fans will be watching these new players closely and seeing if they can help lead the team to a good season.
A new rule happening this year for Major League Baseball is the automated ball-strike system. The technology tracks pitches and calls balls and strikes without mistake. This rule allows for players to challenge calls during at bats, which appeals the umpire’s call. Each team gets two challenges per game, which can be initiated by the batter, pitcher or catcher by tapping their helmet or cap.
Spring Training is an exciting start for the baseball season. With many new players on teams and many prospects on the come up it should be an exciting season for baseball fans. A bonus for baseball fans this year is the World Baseball Classic going on also. All this baseball leads up to opening day on March 26th.
