5 Best Ballparks

• 1. Hohokam: It could be the die hard Cub fans that put this stadium over the top. Going to a game at Hohokam is a must for any first-time Cactus Leaguer.
• 2. Scottsdale Stadium: This is the five-tool player of the Cactus League. With the food, drinks, views, atmosphere and people watching, Scottsdale Stadium barely misses out on the top spot.
• 3. Tucson Electric: The mountains in the background add a dramatic touch to watching a game at TEP, but the facilities are top notch. The food and amenities are second to none.
• 4. Maryvale: While a bit bland, Maryvale's lower prices are the top pick for families. Plus, it is less crowded than the other parks which makes finding a nice spot of grass less stressful.
• 5. Hi Corbett: The lower prices and the tranquil park setting are winners, plus the field box seats are as close to the action as you can get.

5 Best Foods 

• 1. Birria Burro from El Charro at TEP: It might cost $8.00, but this burro is well worth the price. Not only is it tasty, but it comes with sides of rice and beans. Be advised though, it not the most comfortable thing to eat while sitting in your field box seats.
• 2. Red Hot Chicago Dog at Hohokam: The hands down winner of the best hot dog in the Cactus League. The $5.00 price tag is about par for the course, but the smell alone is worth the price. You can close your eyes and imagine yourself on Waveland Avenue.
• Randy Jones Rib Plate at Peoria: At $8.00 it is on the high end but you get a good amount of tasty ribs and two sides. The beans are the best in the Cactus League.
• 4. Dingleberry at Shiskaberrys at Peoria: The most unique of the deserts in the Cactus League. It consists of five chocolate covered strawberries on a shiskabob. A chocolate lovers dream.
• 5. Strawberries and cream at Scottsdale: Keeping with the strawberry vibe, but with a healthier touch. If you are watching your figure but still need to quench that sweet tooth, look no further than the Coyote Fresh Cut stand.

5 Best Things About Spring Training

• 1. Surprise Sundancers: The volunteers from Sun City make the trip out to Surprise Stadium worth it. They are willing to help and will do it with a smile.
• 2. El Charro Lodge: There is nothing better than VIP service and that is what you get at Scottdale Stadium's El Charro Lodge. An elevated tent in the left field grass berm provides the comfort of its own bar and buffet area. And don't bother bringing your blanket, there are picnic tables provided under the tent.
• 3. Lineup board at Hohokam: Walking into Hohokam you immediately get the old-school vibe, with a dry erase board that has the starting lineup. Watch the loyal Cub fans fill out their own scorecards.
• 4. Promotions at Maryvale: Be it the youngsters who get to call out the batting order or the sausage races, the people at Maryvale know how to entertain you.
• 5. The Angels rally monkey: It might be a bit old, but there is still nothing better than the late inning magic of the rally monkey.

5 Best Souvenir Shops

• 1. Maryvale: There might not be a huge contingency of Brewers fans around, but this spot has plenty of shirts and caps. As added bonus, the people working the counter where actually debating the merits of Wes Helms at third base.
• 2. Giants Dug Out Shop: Even though it is just a tent set up in the concourse behind home plate, the selection is the largest in the Cactus League. The varied selection even makes you want to be a Giants fan.
• 3. Hohokam: Yes, there is a line to get in, but the extensive selection of hats, caps, jerseys and t-shirts make it worthwhile. The amount of Chicago accents you hear adds to the authenticity of the place.
• 4. TEP: The place is open and airy and there is plenty of room to move around. The prices might be high, but the selection is impressive.
• 5. Hi Corbett: It might not have the best selection but if you are in the mood for a Todd Helton jersey there is no better place to go.

5 Players to Watch (2005)

• 1. Barry Bonds, SF Giants: While Barry's participation is limited this spring, every move he makes in Scottsdale will be noted. There is no bigger personality in sports than Bonds.
• 2. Vlad Guerrero, Anaheim Angels: The reigning AL MVP, Guerrero's power at-bats are a must to see. And although he may want to avoid the spotlight, all eyes will be on him again this season.
• 3. Adrian Beltre, Seattle Mariners: You could argue Beltre was the real MVP of the National League last season. His move to the Mariners gives fans another reason to go to Peoria aside from Ichiro and maybe Richie Sexson.
• 4. Nomar Garciaparra, Chicago Cubs Who can pass up the chance to yell No-mar in that annoying Jimmy Fallon accent?
• 5. Troy Glaus, Arizona Diamondbacks: Glaus will be the big stick in the D-Backs revamped lineup, so go watch him hit bombs at TEP before he starts routinely dropping them into the pool at the BOB.