Surprise!

As part of our baseball bucket list, we’ve always wanted to go to Spring Training. The Rangers and the Kansas City Royals share a stadium in Surprise, Arizona. We’ve driven by there several times when we’ve been out to visit my sister but we’ve never gone in.

This time is different. We asked my sister if we could crash with her for a few days so that we could go to a game and, because she loves me, she said yes. Hotels during Spring Training double their prices so this was super helpful. Plus I get to hang out with my sister. Bonus!

We got tickets to two games both at surprise stadium. There are 15 teams in the “cactus league”, meaning those that train in Arizona. The remaining teams train in Florida. Our Texas Rangers are here.

The stadium is cute. It’s not big but it’s got everything you need to watch a game and have fun. There were lots of families. In the outfield there are lawn seats and that section was packed.

One thing I found about Spring Training is that I didn’t recognize a lot of names. On the Chicago White Sox team, if the guys were vying for a spot in the roster, you could tell because their name wasn’t on their jersey. It wasn’t until the bottom of the 9th that we saw those fellas on the Rangers team. That first game, the Rangers lost.

The second game was on Tuesday night and we played the Cleveland Guardians. Our fearless leader, Bruce Bochy. I say "our" like I'm on the team. I'm not but I'm a fan. Twenty-five years ago, I'd have laughed if you'd told me I'd be driving over 1000 miles to see a baseball game. But it's true. I've drunk the kool-aid. I love the sound when the bat hits the ball. I scream, "go! go! go!" when I think they guys can score a run. I'm deflated when they lose. *Heavy sigh* I'm a Ranger fan.

For the second game, we're in the upper deck, which is good because it's windy and cold on the lower deck. Yes, I said windy and cold...in Arizona. It is after all, still winter-ish.

Mahle was pitching this evening. He was someone we picked up last year but I admit, I hadn't heard of him. He did good. I hope he's helpful during the season because we need it.

The great Corey Seager. That wasn't a homer or anything but it looked good and that's the closet I'll ever get to him. There's really not a bad seat in Surprise Stadium. 

There are 15 teams in the Cactus League and ten stadiums. This one, Surprise Stadium, is shared by the Rangers and the Kansas City Royals. The Padres and the Mariners share the Peoria Sports Complex. In Glendale, the Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox share a stadium. Also near Glendale, the Milwaukee Brewers have their own stadium. In Good Year, the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Guardians share a stadium. The Diamondbacks and the Rockies share a stadium at Talking Stick near Scottsdale. In Scottsdale proper, the San Francisco Giants have a stadium. In Tempe, the Angels have a stadium. The Cubs and the A's each have a stadium out near Mesa. Hmm...Maybe we need to visit these stadiums too! In my head, I hear my sister scream...Noooooo!

It was a chilly night but a great day for a ballgame. I had a Polish dog and the Rangers won. What more could you ask?

Ah yes! Family. I didn't get a lot of photos at the house but I got this one. This is me and Atticus. He graciously gave up his room so we could stay at the house. He came by to visit with us and we had a great time. 

My sister cooked us dinner every night and we had fun chatting with Harper. 

It was a great visit and we'll be back in May for graduations. We love these people!

That's no surprise...