While the A’s "still long for a modernized regular-season ballpark, their spring training accommodations have made a giant leap into the 21st century," with the team today opening camp in "lavishly renovated facilities" in Mesa, Ariz., according to Joe Stiglich of CSNBAYAREA.com. Nearly $27M "was spent on improvements to Hohokam Stadium and nearby Fitch Park, which will serve as the A’s spring practice facility and year-round" minor league HQ. Public money "accounted for about" $17M, while the A’s paid $10M. Hohokam, the Cubs' spring home from '97-'13, is a "completely remodeled venue that’s undergone a green-and-gold facelift on the exterior." The concourse walls are "lined with large pictures of A’s greats including Rickey Henderson, Dave Stewart and Mark McGwire." The HD scoreboard in left field "is the largest in the Cactus League and 'party decks' have been installed on each side of the press box." Fitch Park is "more than three times the size of Papago Park, the A’s former practice facility in Phoenix." The A's clubhouse at Hohokam "is bigger than the one at" the O.co Coliseum. A's P Sean Doolittle said, "It’s amazing. It seems like they thought of everything. We were joking about the minor league guys. They gotta watch out, they might get comfy over here in these fancy digs." A's 3B coach Mike Gallego: "On a rainy day, I could hit ground balls in the trainer’s room." Equipment Manager Steve Vucinich: "We wish we had a forklift to take this to Oakland" (CSNBAYAREA.com, 2/18).
COMFORTS OF HOME: The Dodgers have added several new amenities and attractions to their Spring Training facility at Camelback Ranch in Glendale. Among the enhancements are a mini scoreboard resembling the one at Dodger Stadium, 10 panels honoring former Dodgers All-Stars lining the park's Legends Walk, an L.A. logo sculpture, upgrades and renovations to the Montejo Patio, and an oversized bobblehead doll depicting Baseball HOFer Tommy Lasorda (Dodgers).
