Top 5 Favorite Things About Texas Rangers Spring Training

Why this reporter enjoys the ramp up to a new Texas Rangers season, plus a few suggestions if you're headed to Surprise, Ariz., for spring training.

ARLINGTON — Spring training is arguably the most relaxing point of the season for almost everyone involved, including the players, staff, coaches and reporters.

Of course, players hoping to make the Opening Day roster with a strong spring performance face plenty of stress.

Other than that, it's a pretty sublime, orderly schedule for reporters and media members from one day to the next. The clubhouse typically opens at 8 a.m., closes 45 minutes later, and then the beat writers spend 10-to-15 minutes with manager Bruce Bochy before he gets tired of us and heads for the backfields.

Texas Rangers pitchers and catchers report by Wednesday. All other players must report by Feb. 19.

After their final spring game in Surprise on March 23, the club returns to Arlington. The Rangers host the Boston Red Sox for two final spring games at Globe Life Field before hosting the Chicago Cubs on Opening Day, March 28.

My Top 5 Favorite Things About Spring Training

Here are a few of my favorite things about Texas Rangers spring training in Surprise, Ariz.:

5. Walking the backfields

Few things conjure up spring training better than walking the backfields where only a handful of fans are watching players work on aspects of their game.

4. Arizona weather

There's a reason spring training is held in Florida and Arizona. The weather is sublime, and the sun shines forever. Although rain is in the forecast for the Rangers' first week at camp, it won't be long before it's clear and sunny day after day.

3. The Food

When you return to a place repeatedly, favorite restaurants tend to take shape. Surprise has a wide variety of food options but my three favorites are Culver's, Big Buddha and Booty's Wings Burgers and Beer. 

2. The Players

Spring training allows reporters to get to know the players and staff in a slightly more relaxed setting. This is good for relationships and hopefully translates into better access for fans to the team. 

1. Baseball

When spring training games begin on Feb. 23, all is right in the world again. It's the clearest sign that baseball is back and Opening Day is approaching. 

Five Reasons Texas Rangers Will Repeat

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