Best Places To Locate MLB Players Going To & From In Florida
This week, iFollo.com is your source for the best places to encounter the players and fans that have flocked to Florida and Arizona for Major League Baseball spring training.
iFollo.com leaves the dry, desert air of Arizona for the tropical, humid air of Florida.
Today's blog will focus on the Southwestern portion of the state. Thursday's scope will shift to Southeast Florida.
The Sunshine State is home to 15 big league spring training operations. Life in the Grapefruit League means longer bus rides for teams because the distances are much more spread out than in Arizona's Cactus League.
March in Florida does provide fans with the opportunity to do something unavailable in the Grand Canyon State. Do the words Atlantic Ocean ring a bell?
Southwest Florida is home to three teams, the Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins and Tampa Bay Rays.
MLB.com provides an excellent map noting the locations of each team. The smaller, more accessible layout of spring training stadiums present a fantastic opportunity for fans to get up close and personal with players.
Below is a breakdown of the hotspots in this area.
Fort Myers - Home of the Red Sox and Twins
City of Palms Park (Home of the Red Sox)
2201 Edison Avenue, just outside of Downtown Fort Myers
Lee County Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium (Home of the Twins)
14100 Ben C. Pratt/Six Mile Cypress Parkway, near Southwest Florida International Airport
The Bell Tower Shops are a major hangout for players and fans during March.
Bistro 41, Cantina Laredo and Blue Pointe Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill are MLB favorites within the mall.
The Gulf Coast Town Center also offers ample opportunity to see Red Sox and Twins personnel.
Prawnbroker Restaurant & Fish Market is a spot filled with constant player and fan activity.
Nino's Pizzeria & Italian - Daniels Parkway location and Lee Roy Selmon's are Twins player and fan favorites, due to the proximity to their ballpark.
Fort Myers Beach is a great location to see baseball's best hanging out on the sand or spending time at one of the many nightspots.
Port Charlotte - Home of the Rays
2300 El Jobean Road
Tamiami Trail is the center of activity in Port Charlotte. Coral Rock Café is one of the more prominent venues along this stretch.
John Hall's Goal Post Grill and Sports Bar is a player and fan hangout, co-owned by former NFL kicker John Hall.
Fisherman's Village, located in nearby Punta Gorda, is a hub of shopping, dining and entertainment during spring training.
