When Does the Cubs Spring Training Start?
As the weather warms up and the sun shines brighter, baseball fans start to eagerly anticipate the return of the Chicago Cubs to their iconic ballpark, Wrigley Field. But when does the Cubs Spring training start?
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the basics of Spring training. The 162-game regular season runs from late March to late April, with the postseason competition starting in late May. However, the Cubs’ spring training period starts earlier, around mid-February.
Spring Training Schedule
Here’s a breakdown of the Cubs’ Spring training schedule:
- Mid-February: The Cubs begin their spring training camp, typically at the Wrigley Field spring training facility in Palos Verdes Estates, California. This is a week-long series of workouts, where the team focuses on building their lineup and pitching staff.
- Late February to early March: The Cubs participate in three separate spring training stints, with each camp lasting around two weeks. The three camps are typically:
- Wrigley Field camp: 20-25 games
- Gene Conley Field camp: 10-15 games
- Carl Stevens Field camp: 5-10 games
- Late March to early April: The Cubs take part in 14-16 games, with each game typically lasting around 4-5 hours. This is when the team starts to get into full swing, with regular lineup decisions and pitching rotations.
Key Dates
To help you keep track, here are some key dates for the Cubs’ Spring training:
- Mid-February: Cubs begin spring training camp at Wrigley Field spring training facility
- Late February to early March: Three separate spring training stints
- Late March to early April: 14-16 games, with regular lineup decisions and pitching rotations
- April 15: Cubs open play at Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia Phillies)
Spring Training Camp Locations
The Cubs have traditionally held their spring training camps at the following locations:
- Wrigley Field spring training facility: Palos Verdes Estates, California (mid-February)
- Gene Conley Field camp: Gene Conley Field, California (late February to early March)
- Carl Stevens Field camp: Carl Stevens Field, California (late March to early April)
- Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia Phillies): April 15 (Cubs open play)
Importance of Spring Training
Spring training is a crucial part of the Cubs’ offseason routine. It allows the team to:
- Build their roster: With 10-12 games in early April, the Cubs have ample time to reassess their lineup and make any necessary adjustments.
- Identify and develop young talent: Spring training provides an opportunity for the Cubs to evaluate and develop young players, such as Jarred Cosart and Ben Zobrist.
- Fine-tune their pitching staff: The Cubs’ pitching staff is usually stretched thin during the regular season, so spring training is a critical time for them to fine-tune their pitching corps.
Conclusion
When does the Cubs Spring training start? The Cubs begin their spring training camp in mid-February, with the three separate stints taking place over the course of three weeks. This allows the team to build their roster, identify and develop young talent, and fine-tune their pitching staff. As the sun shines brighter and the season heats up, Cubs fans can rest assured that Spring training is just around the corner.