MLB: Improving Spring Training

Spring Training is important for many teams. They need to learn about their young players and figure out which players need to be on their way. But that doesn't mean that Spring Training can't be fun and interactive for the fans as well. Here are some ways the MLB can make Spring Training more fun for the fans. 

More Celebrities

Billy Crystal signs a one-day contract for the Yankees. On Thursday, he will realize his dream and play on the field with his beloved pinstriped Bronx Bombers. So why can't ordinary people get the chance to play as well? I'm not saying that every day a different ordinary person plays, but how about in one game at least, a person gets the chance. Who wouldn't come to the ballpark for a chance to play? And who wouldn't come to the park if they knew there was the possibility of facing Johan Santana or Josh Beckett? Imagine the interest in that gate giveaway!

No More Ties

Why end a close game in the 10th inning when you can keep on going? Extra inning games are one of the most exciting things in baseball, but more importantly, it shows which young players are clutch and which ones you can't rely on.

Personalized Stadiums

Why is there no Green Monster in the Boston Red Sox facility? Fans come to see their teams, why not get the experience of a real MLB game?

Free Agent Team

If a player is a free agent that no one has picked up yet, when is he going to be able to show his skills? Why not an all-free agent team, where all the best free agents available make up one spring training team. Who wouldn't want to see Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa on the same team?

More Autograph Signings

This is one of the main reasons fans go see spring training games. Nothing solidifies a great experience like a trophy autograph from your favorite player.

Spring Training is one of the greatest things about baseball in this country. It gets us out of our winterized minds for just a moment. We can smell the grass again and hear the crack of the bat. It already is an iconic American tradition, but with these few improvements, it can be even greater.