Celebrity Autographs And Celebrity Addresses

There's only one better way to heat up a cold Milwaukee March day than by talking Brewers baseball: Making the trip to Phoenix to watch it in person.

Hope springs eternal once again in 2005, and the most die-hard Brewers fans are heading west to watch Cactus League action rev into gear. A busy 30 games in 28 days begin this Friday with split-squad games against Oakland and Seattle. And if you're lucky enough to make the trip to Arizona, there's plenty to keep you busy all month long.

In total, Arizona hosts 12 teams in the Cactus League. Nine, including the Brewers, play in the Phoenix area, and three play an hour to the south in Tucson. You'd be surprised how well you can get to know the area, and your favorite baseball team, in just a long weekend in the Valley of the Sun.

Cactus League basics

The Brewers call Maryvale Baseball Park, 3600 N. 51st Ave., their home, a short jaunt west of downtown Phoenix off of Interstate 10. One of the newer facilities in the league, Maryvale got a bad rap from some Midwesterners when it first opened, who claim the park is in a rough area of town. While it's not like its upscale Scottsdale counterpart where the Giants play, Maryvale is just fine. You probably wouldn't pick the neighborhood as your nighttime hangout, but it's spacious and friendly with a field shaped just like Miller Park.


The author, posing from the berm at Maryvale Baseball Park (aka heaven)
It should be noted that though the games don't count, you can actually see some fierce competition during March. Sure, the veterans treat Spring Training as a tuneup, and you'll regularly see starting pitchers toss about two innings. But for future stars and players "on the bubble," Spring Training is a chance for these kids to make the team. This spring promises a battle between Wes Helms, Russell Branyan and former Brewers star Jeff Cirillo, all competing to start at third (my money is on Cirillo, if only for sentimental reasons).

With the Brewers star minor leaguers finally coming of age, too, you'll get an extended look at the teams of the future. You'll be astounded at the power of Prince Fielder and the maturity of Rickie Weeks. Look for new flame-throwing pitcher Jose Capellan, too. It's finally a little encouraging to be a Brewers fan.

The Brewers minor league system trains here, too. Since all players in Spring Training wear the same uniform, at times it feel like an army of Brewers is converging on the park. Get to games as early as you can, because watching these kids practice is an experience you won't get in Milwaukee. They run from practice field to field, chatting and mingling with the fans. Most will sign autographs if you ask nicely.

All of the day games start at the same time, 1:05 p.m. The Crew also plays two night games, on the 15th and 27th. Tickets range in price at the various ballparks, but here's an insider's tip: buy the cheapest ticket you can find, usually less than $5. At most parks, including Maryvale, the outfield is called the berm, a sloped grassy area where you can spread out and watch the game at a relaxing incline. If you position yourself in the right place, catching home run balls isn't too tough -- different teams draw bigger crowds, but not surprisingly, the attendance is frequently sparse at Brewers games -- which means it's easy to take home a souvenir.

If you want a real seat, just play it cool and sit somewhere that isn't occupied. With the exception of Cubs games at HoHoKam Park in Mesa, these games rarely sell out, and the laid-back ushers really don't mind where you plop yourself down and catch some sun.


Wisconsin native Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesen West outside Scottsdale
You'll notice a big difference from Miller Park if you find yourself sitting in a real seat, however: the proximity to the field. The Cactus League ballparks are more than just intimate; you'll almost feel like you are sitting on the field. Foul balls are a plenty, so keep your eye on the game and bring your glove.

If possible, plan your trip around days when the Brewers play a mix of home and away games. All of the stadiums have their own unique charm, but some of the nicest parks include the Angels' Tempe Diablo Stadium, the Cubs' HoHoKam Park, the Royals' and Rangers' Surprise Stadium and the Giants' Scottsdale Stadium.

Beyond Baseball

A week of sun and baseball may tire you out, but the fun doesn't stop after sundown in Phoenix. Tempe, the campus of Arizona State University, sports a thriving collegiate nightlife, while Phoenix and Scottsdale offer a more upscale bar experience. If you must take a break from baseball -- the Crew plays every day but March 16 -- you can try a number of site trips. Some worth noting:

Daytrip to Nogales, Mexico. If you're in Tucson for a Brewers game (March 12 vs. the Rockies or March 25 vs. the White Sox), drive a little farther south to Nogales. You can walk across the border and shop or just take in the sights. Critics will tell you Nogales isn't "real Mexico," and they have a point, but it's a fun change from the ordinary. If you are really adventurous, plan a trip to Rocky Point in Mexico. Just make sure you go during ASU's Spring Break.

Climb Camelback Mountain. Considered a novice climbing experience, it's still plenty challenging. Clear away a couple hours of your schedule for the free and breathtaking experience just north of Phoenix.

Play some golf on one of Arizona's 300 courses. Considered one of the world's top spots, it's a fair bet you haven't been able to break out your clubs in Milwaukee for months.

Visit Taliesin West in Scottsdale, the architecture school by Wisconsin's own Frank Lloyd Wright. It's just as beautiful as the Spring Green original but completely different. Take the tour, it's well worth it. Wright also designed Phoenix's Biltmore Hotel, which offers tours, as well.

Drive north to Sedona, a beautiful artist community near Flagstaff.

Check out the cultural events Phoenix has to offer. March 4 is their First Friday event. More info is available at the Arizona Department of Tourism Web site, arizonaguide.com.

No matter how you plan your trip, keep this phrase in mind: "It's Spring Training for everyone." Keep your schedule flexible and take the opportunity to relax. It's a sure bet you'll come back tan, rested and ready for the start of the 2005 baseball season with renewed vim and vigor for your Milwaukee Brewers.