We are three days into Cubs spring training games and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. Mostly because I live in New York and I can get games on MLB.tv without many blackouts, apologies to those dealing with the Marquee Network nonsense.
I often hear that “spring training doesn’t matter,” and that is true in a larger sense. But it also matters a lot to me for all those romanticized reasons why we love baseball.
First of all, it’s baseball! It’s back. It’s February in upstate New York and it’s cold, but I can watch fun games broadcast from sunny Mesa and pretend I’m there (hopefully next spring training, I will be). After the bummer of the 2019 season and off-season, being able to watch a no-pressure exhibition contest is a breath of fresh air.
Another common gripe is that after the first inning or two the star players are done for the day, but I enjoy spring training games for that reason. I’ll get to see 162+ games of Kris Bryant, Yu Darvish, and Javy Báez. I live in a minor league city and I love watching minor league games and players. I enjoy seeing #98 come up to the plate with no name on his back, hitting a leadoff double, and thinking, “good for you, #98. I don’t know who you are, but I want you to succeed.” It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up on minor league players and prospects.
Cubs baseball hasn’t been fun for me as of late. Everyone who follows the Cubs could likely list a thousand reasons to be upset or annoyed with the current state of the team. But one thing that we can all enjoy is spring training. The games are fun, low pressure, and it’s a taste of what’s to come. That, to me, matters.
Featured image from Visit Mesa
Danielle Sauers 