Baseball Spring Training In & Around Fort Myers

First-rate yet intimate stadiums and a laid-back atmosphere put the teams’ loyal fans close to the action. And within a couple of hours’ drive, you’ll find several other Grapefruit League teams also enjoying Florida’s subtropical climate.

The training schedule last for the month of March, more or less, with about 25 games being played before the teams head north and the regular season starts.

Boston Red Sox Spring Training

Spring Training 2012 offers Boston Red Sox fans a chance to experience the new $78 million JetBlue Park with its state-of-the-art training facilities and room to entertain 11,000 fans. A number of the characteristics of the new ballpark are taken from Fenway Park, including a 37-foot high Green Monster in left field, featuring seating both on top of and behind the wall, as well as the manual scoreboard used decades ago. The new complex also includes six practice fields along with other adjoining facilities that will house the major and minor league operations, rehabilitation center, food facilities, HD video board and interactive family areas. Visit http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/spring_training/index.jsp?c_id=bos.

Minnesota Twins Spring Training

The Minnesota Twins have made Hammond Stadium at the Lee County Sports Complex their spring training home since 1991. Spurred by their state-of-the-art facility, the Twins won the 1991 World Series after posting a record-high 21 wins during spring training. The Sports Complex is also home to two of Minnesota's minor league affiliates, housing both the Miracle of the Class A Florida State League and the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Twins. Visit http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/spring_training/index.jsp?c_id=min.

Spring Training Schedule and Tickets

In general, schedules and ticket prices are released in mid-November. Group and season tickets go on sale in late December, and single-game tickets go on sale in late December or early January.

Minor League Fort Myers Miracle

When the Twins head to Minnesota and the Major League season begins, Hammond Stadium is transformed into home field for Minor League team the Fort Myers Miracle. The Fort Myers Miracle hosts its season home opener in April, and the season lasts until early September. Visit www.miraclebaseball.com.

A Short Drive Away

• Tampa Bay Rays, Charlotte City Stadium, Port Charlotte – 941-206-4487, tampabay.rays.mlb.com
• Pittsburgh Pirates, McKechnie Field, Bradenton – 941-748-4610, pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com
• NY Yankees, Steinbrenner Field, Tampa – 813-879-2244, newyork.yankees.mlb.com
• Philadelphia Phillies, Bright House Field, Clearwater – 727-467-4457, philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com
• Toronto Blue Jays, Dunedin Stadium, Dunedin – 727-733-9302, toronto.bluejays.mlb.com