every year since 2003.

The way the set-up is…the Phoenix metro area seems to be similar in size to DFW. Imagine about a dozen different minor league ballparks similar to what the Rangers have in Frisco scattered throughout the Metroplex. Surprise is the equivalent to being located on the west side of Fort Worth. If you’re only there for a couple of days when the Rangers are in Surprise it makes sense to stay close to that park. If you’re going to be there for 4-5 days and want to follow the Rangers exclusively, it makes sense to locate yourself more towards the center of the Phoenix area. Stay off of Bell Road at all times and try to get the park from the south.

The Rangers are about 45 minutes to an hour+ away from the airport. If you’re catching a late morning flight, the A’s ballpark is 5 minutes from the airport.

I’ve stayed at the Pointe South HIlton (may be Phoenix, may be in Tempe, can’t remember) and it is quite simply awesome but it is also quite simply expensive. I’ve also stayed at the Embassy Suites on Greenway which is a little more central and about 30 minutes from every park in the area. Free breakfast buffet and free happy hour at night are nice bonuses and they have a good pool scene.

You can go to the various complexes in the mornings but I either golf or sit by the pool reading Baseball Prospectus in the mornings and start heading for the park around 11:45 (games start at 1) and I make it there around 1230. It’s usually a dry 75-85 degree day and the temps get into the 40’s at night.

I’ve golfed a lot out there, I really liked Lookout Mountain and The Raven.

You gotta go to a restaurant called Don & Charlies. Old school place dripping with a baseball vibe…you can’t believe the names on the baseballs in the case of the foyer. Big bad-ass steaks with Sinatra music in the background. Two years ago I saw Bob Uecker. Almost nothing but baseball fans in there and you will need a reservation.

If you’re going to see the Cubs play, get your tix well in advance. You can walk up and get Ranger tix…unless they’re playing the Cubs. Parking is free. Not a misprint. Parking is free.

The Dodgers are in Arizona for the first time which is sure going to change things and I assume, make it much more crowded. I’m anxious to see their complex (they share with the White Sox). Seatte/SDO play in Peoria and there are a bunch of places to eat & drink near their complex. The Angels also get big crowds at their place (cool stadium).

It is a great, great vacation if you love baseball, sun, drinking cold ones, golfing or sitting by the pool reading your BP and checking out some of the hots by the pool.