“And it’s root, root, root for the CARDINALS! If they don’t win it’s a shame…” could be heard blocks away during the seventh inning stretch at the Cardinals game in Jupiter, Florida. The palm trees growing beyond the outfield walls, salty air and thrilling walk through the gates of Roger Dean Stadium could only mean one thing: spring training.

Cardinal fans travel from all around the country to see their favorite team play before the regular season begins. The term “paradise” is the most appropriate word to describe a baseball fan’s experience at spring training. It is common for fans to arrive at the stadium grounds three to four hours before game time in order to watch batting practices and warm-ups. One of the greatest aspects of spring training is the ability to get up close and personal with the players.

Roger Dean is unlike Busch Stadium because of the fan’s proximity to the field and players. This close range and relaxed atmosphere provides easy access for autographs and photo opportunities. This is an ideal time to meet the veteran players, newbies and minor leaguers. Even players such as Molina, Wainwright and Holliday, who are normally challenging signatures to get, will stop and sign. Hall of Famers and other legends of Cardinal history also visit regularly and sign autographs, which attracts the older fans in the crowd. The prime spots around the stadium to receive autographs are down the first base line before the game and outside the gates of the player parking lot afterwards.

Anyone can see why Cardinals fans are said to be the “best fans in baseball” for many reasons, but the biggest is their immense dedication. The sea of red never fails to support their team, even when the athletes play over one thousand miles away from St. Louis. Watching Cardinal baseball is a passion that can be passed down from generation to generation, and there is no greater bonding experience than making memories at the ballpark. Whether it’s a walk-off home run in Game 6 of the World Series, bottom of the eleventh, two outs and a full count, a rally squirrel or Wainwright dancing in the dugout, there is never a dull moment.

Any baseball fan would fall in love with spring training, so don’t miss out on this experience. Even though Roger Dean isn’t quite the field of dreams, it’s about as close as it gets. “And it’s one, two, three strikes you’re out at the old ball game.” Play ball!