Trip to Angels Spring Training (Part 2)

The Angels Spring Training facility is located in Tempe, Ariz and the great thing for fans and Angels personnel is that the Major and Minor League complexes are connected to each other. Fans have the opportunity to see today's stars on one field while walking 100 yards away to see tomorrow's stars. The close proximity makes it very easy for player development personnel to evaluate players. Also, players can easily transfer back and forth from Major to Minor League camps. Because of the closeness of the entire complex, players are often able to go watch the Major League team play. The Angels pride themselves on being a family from the top to the bottom, and I think this is all part of it.

Tempe has been the spring home of the Angels since 1993, marking 2012 as the 20th consecutive season. The lease between the city and the Angels was resigned in 2004, meaning the Angels will be in Tempe through at least the 2025 season.

Tempe Diablo Stadium, where the Major League Spring Training games are played, is the biggest structure at the complex. It houses the Major League clubhouse, weight room, and batting cages.

The Minor League clubhouse is located a short walk away, near the Minor League practice fields. This clubhouse holds all Minor League players who are in camp. This is where long-time clubhouse manager Ron “Roady” Plein spends his time, serving food to the players and tidying up after them.

The entire complex consists of six and a half practice fields, not including Tempe Diablo. In addition, there are plenty of bullpens and extra batting cages for players to get their work in.

By: Morgan Hawk, Kernels radio broadcaster