What's not to love about a sport where you can sing Take Me Out To The Ball Game during the seventh inning stretch, or snag a bag of peanuts tossed by a vendor in the stands? Small wonder that baseball is considered America's national pastime—it's one of the most relaxing and enjoyable games to watch. Add a hundred years of history and the thrill of seeing a hanging curve walloped into the upper deck and you've got surefire family entertainment. One hot spot, literally, for preseason action is Phoenix, Arizona.

ARIZONA'S CACTUS LEAGUE

When baseball fans want to know if winter is almost over, they don't watch groundhogs; they see if spring training has begun. Held each year in Florida and Arizona, this annual warm-up to the baseball season offers visitors an enticing combination of warm weather, great seats in cozy ballparks and easy access to players (and their autographs). Particularly convenient for families is Arizona's Cactus League, where you can find seven professional teams practicing within an hour's drive from your hotel room in Mesa.

For lodging, check out the Dobson Ranch Inn & Resort (800-528-1356), where the Chicago Cubs players reside. Next door is Golfland/Sunsplash, Arizona's largest family theme park, with three miniature golf courses, a 15,000-square-foot castle and a large waterpark. Call the Cactus League Baseball Association at 800-283-6372 for more information. Tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster.

Here is a list of the Cactus League teams in the Phoenix area and where they are warming up:

CACTUS LEAGUE TEAMS

ANAHEIM ANGELS
Tempe Diablo Stadium; 480-350-5205

CHICAGO CUBS
HoHoKam Park, Mesa; 480-964-4467

OAKLAND A'S
Phoenix Municipal Stadium; 602-392-0217

SAN DIEGO PADRES
Peoria Sports Complex; 623-878-4337

SEATTLE MARINERS
Peoria Sports Complex; 623-878-4337

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Scottsdale Stadium; 602-990-7972

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.