Pitchers and Catchers Have Reported to Spring Training

"There are multiple ways to sense that spring is in the air, and Bryon Powell - iRunFar founder, former editor-in-chief, and current gear editor - and I share one mutual indicator that has nothing to do with running: the start of Major League Baseball Spring Training! In addition to sharing a passion for long-distance running, Bryon and I have a lot in common."

"Bryon is partial to his dear Philadelphia Phillies, and I am an unapologetic fan of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Such is our commitment to our teams that back in 2023, when the Phillies and Diamondbacks squared off in the playoffs, Bryon traveled down to the desert to attend all three of the seven-game series played at Chase Field in Phoenix. All this past week, we shared a youthful excitement for the start of baseball season, texting back and forth, knowing that this was the week pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training and the annual rhythm of the North American baseball season begins."

"For baseball players and fans, Spring Training always represents a new beginning. It is a time when players come back together, refine the fundamentals, and enjoy playing on the sun-drenched ballfields of Florida and Arizona. For the rookies, it is a time to prove themselves to the coaches in hopes of earning a spot on the team. For the veterans, it is a time to knock off the winter rust and get back into the swing of the daily grind that is baseball season."

Spring arrival is signaled by Major League Baseball Spring Training and a renewed sense among long-distance runners. Bryon Powell and a long-distance runner share backgrounds from small U.S. East Coast liberal-arts schools and an affinity for driving older Toyota Priuses. Both hold deep baseball loyalties to the Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks, and Bryon attended the 2023 playoff games at Chase Field in Phoenix. The week pitchers and catchers report creates youthful excitement as Spring Training offers rookies chances to prove themselves and veterans time to shake off winter rust. Runners feel renewal and regeneration as the season changes.

Read at iRunFar