Spring Training - Kissimmee, Florida

Some people can’t wait for summer to hear that distinctive crack of the bat. For them, the heart of Florida is baseball headquarters come spring, when major league teams come to town for spring training, a.k.a. the Grapefruit League. Spring training games are just as exciting as regular season games — maybe even more so, because you can get closer to the action.

So if you’re visiting Kissimmee between February and April, be sure to pack your glove (and your camera!) and watch the Houston Astros practice at Osceola County Stadium, their spring training home since 1985. Osceola Stadium holds just over 5,200 fans, with the excitement so close you can almost touch it. After the game, head to the stadium’s family-friendly “Autograph Alley,” to meet your favorite players and get a signed memento of an exhilarating day.

No matter what team you root for, you just may see your hometown favorite in Kissimmee, competing against the Astros. The Atlanta Braves train here as well, and other Grapefruit league teams are just a short drive away.

Check out our Spring Training photo gallery on Flickr.