The Tampa area is one of the largest Spring Training baseball hubs in the country with four MLB teams within 30 miles of beautiful St Pete Beach. Baseball fans from across the United States escape to the pristine beaches of Florida’s Gulf Coast for a week of relaxation, sunshine, and towering home runs. Thousands of fans flock to the Tampa area for a glimpse at the Grapefruit League’s best young talent and MLB all-stars. Luckily for visiting baseball fans, Gulf Strand Resort is a short drive from four spectacular Spring Training facilities in Tampa, Clearwater, Bradenton, and Dunedin, minutes from the best things to do in St Pete Beach. Here’s a glimpse at what you can expect this spring on your annual baseball trip to Florida.
New York Yankees in Tampa
The New York Yankees have 27 World Series titles, 16 more than any other MLB franchise. With Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, Didi Gregorius, Luis Severino, and Aroldis Chapman on the active roster, it’s easy to see why the Yankees are a perennial favorite to win the AL East. Yankees fans will have their eyes on prospects Estevan Florial (OF), Jonathan Loaisiga (RHP), and Albert Abreu (RHP) this spring, in hopes that these young stars will help springboard New York to yet another world championship. The Yankees play at George M. Steinbrenner Field, a beautiful 31-acre complex in Northwest Tampa, only 28 miles northeast of St Pete Beach.
Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater
Phillies fans enjoyed a surprisingly intriguing 2018 campaign as Philadelphia finished with an 80-82 record, a 14-win improvement from the year before. The Phillies are primed for a run at an NL East title thanks to the rising talent of Aaron Nola, Rhys Hoskins, Odubel Herrera, Maikel Franco, and several others. Sixto Sanchez (RHP), Alec Bohm (3B), and Adonis Medina (RHP) are three prospects to keep an eye on this spring at Spectrum Field in Clearwater. The Phillies have been playing in Clearwater since 1948, so we’re accustomed to seeing a sea of red invade St Pete Beach every spring.
Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton
The Pittsburgh Pirates were supposed to be in rebuild-mode last season, but they won 11 straight games in July and finished with an eye-opening record of 82-79. This team has a nice mix of rising stars and experienced leadership with Chris Archer, Starling Marte, Gregory Polanco, and Jameson Taillon. There are rumors that Mitch Keller, the fourth-best pitching prospect in baseball, has a chance to make the Opening Day roster for the Pirates. Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B) and Travis Swaggerty (OF) are two hot bats to keep an eye on this spring. The Pirates will play in their 51st season in Bradenton at LECOM Park, which was built in 1923.
Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin
The Toronto Blue Jays’ Dunedin Stadium is only five miles from the Phillies’ spring home in Clearwater, creating a splendid cross-town rivalry between the two ballclubs. All eyes will be on Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the number one prospect in baseball after he finished last season with a .381 batting average, 20 home runs, and 78 RBIs in the minors. Bo Bichette, yet another son of a former MLB star, will also be slugging at Dunedin Stadium in a few short months.
St Pete Beach Condo Rentals
Gulf Strand Resort is less than 30 miles from all four of these unique Spring Training ballparks. We’re one of the most affordable St Pete Beach resorts, despite providing exclusive beach access, a heated outdoor pool, free parking, and charming St Pete Beach condo rentals. Spend your morning overlooking the Gulf of Mexico with a fresh cup of coffee, your afternoon at a relaxing ballgame, and your evening on our pristine sunset beach. Give us a call at 1-800-628-0053 to book a Spring Training getaway to St Pete Beach before it’s too late!
