Glendale ideal for fall ball, baseball exec says

The Arizona Fall League begins its 17th season on Tuesday, and there's no shortage of talent on the field.

Each major-league team sends six of its top prospects to play in the AFL. The goal is for those players to develop their skills in a comfortable and relaxed environment while under the watchful eyes of scouts and team executives.

To come out and see them compete only costs adults $6 and senior citizens or children $5.

"We like to think that it's quality entertainment at a ballpark near you," said AFL executive director Steve Cobb.

Cobb admits that the main objective of the league is to send improved players back to their respective organizations, but the fans are still a valued part of the game.

Six teams play in five different stadiums across the Valley, and, according to Cobb, Glendale is in the perfect location. Residents are able to see two teams at the Peoria Sports Complex and another at Surprise Stadium.

Glendale has become a major sports market because of Jobing.com Arena and University of Phoenix Stadium. The AFL would like to be a part of that growth, even though none of its teams yet calls Glendale home.

Cobb said that coming to see the games should get Glendale residents excited about spring training in 2009, when the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox arrive at their new facility. Many of the players in the AFL could be playing in spring training, so fans can see a preview of what's to come.

"We are looking more and more to try to get out the names of these up-and-coming guys, but it's a challenge," Cobb said. "Metro Phoenix is a very sophisticated market because it has all four major sports."

One way that the AFL has tried promoting its players is the Rising Stars Game at Surprise Stadium.

It was started two years ago to showcase the large number of first-round draft picks and minor league all-stars in the league. Cobb said that it's a very intense game for fans to watch because the winning team earns a cash prize.

The AFL also gives managers, coaches, trainers and umpires the opportunity to work towards their big league dreams. But the players are still the big draw for the fans.

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria played in the AFL last year, and is a candidate to win the 2008 American League Rookie of the Year Award.

"The vast majority of players that play here will make it to the major leagues," Cobb said. "The unique part of this league is all 30 organizations are represented. You can see the next wave of major league players here in the Arizona Fall League."

Fans can easily get autographs too because the players are very accessible right after their pre-game workouts.

Cobb said another great thing is that fans can sit anywhere they want. They can even hear the conversations that occur on the field if they sit close enough or they can sometimes start up their own conversations with the pitchers in the bullpens.

For more information about the AFL, call (602) 681-9362 or visit www.mlbfallball.com.

Scottsdale Scorpions players watch pregame ceremonies before playing the Peoria Saguaros last October.