Travel

Earn your stripes at spring training

The Yankees spring training home opener is this Sunday, against Toronto. Home meaning Tampa, Fla. Through March 28, the team will shape up for the regular season at Steinbrenner Field. And you’re invited.

Spring training isn’t just for die-hard fans. Sure, you can check out the prospects and consider who might make the regular roster, but this is also about experiencing the national pastime on a smaller scale (in terms of seating: 11,026 versus 50,291; but the center-field wall is the same 408 feet). Yankee Stadium is awesome, but there’s nothing like hearing the crack of a bat and seeing what 195 pounds of Derek Jeter looks like when you’re crazy close to the field, something most of us rarely experience. Plus, it’s not freezing. Remember how good it feels to walk outside in a T-shirt?

So pack for warm weather (sunscreen in checked bags only) and follow our guide to spring training in Tampa because, trust us, Yankees caps are frowned upon come regular season here (you might be denied a free cowbell at Tropicana Field during a Rays-Yankees series!).

TICKETS

Single tickets at Steinbrenner Field (One Steinbrenner Dr., steinbrennerfield.com) are $17 and up. Gates open two hours prior to the start of the game — come early if you’re seeking an autograph or want to wander around. Across the street in the Raymond James lot, parking is $10.

Bonus: If you rent a car, your Grapefruit League options are many. The Phillies and Blue Jays ballparks are the most convenient to Tampa. Check the schedules and see the Yankees in multiple venues, all regular-season single-A houses (yes, rehabbing players sometimes land here and, yes, Jeter started his career here).

STAY

There’s a Holiday Inn Express (4750 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, hiexpresstampa.com) and a Comfort Inn (4732 N. Dale Mabry Highway, tampacomfortinn.com) within walking distance of the ballpark. But if you really want to feel like you’re in Florida, take the Memorial Causeway over the Intracoastal to Clearwater Beach, about 30 minutes west of Steinbrenner Field. The attractive, family-friendly Sandpearl Resort (500 Mandalay Ave., sandpearl.com) sits on a 700-foot expanse of gorgeous Gulf of Mexico beach. And it’s offering a spring training special (Feb. 23 to March 31): choice of room, plus one official MLB baseball, Cracker Jacks, two hot dogs and two soft drinks at their Tate Island Grill, $319 per night, two-night minimum stay required.

EAT

About a 15-minute drive south of Sandpearl, you’ll find Keegan’s Seafood Grille (1519 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, keegansseafood.com). It’s our favorite restaurant in the area — straightforward great food in a fun and casual environment (think flip-flops and picnic tables). Start with steamed “U Peel Um” Shrimp, $14.99 a pound, then go for blackened, grilled, charbroiled or fried grouper — fresh from the Gulf — served with two sides, $16.99.

Nearby Keegan’s is Pinky’s Ice Cream & Candy Shop (1401 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach; 727-517-7656). It’s a treat just to walk into this place, surrounded by sandy-footed kids, fudge, gummies, penny candies and ice cream made by Candy Kitchen (another local favorite). From orange pineapple to raspberry to mocha chocolate chip, you’re sure to find a flavor you love.

If it’s pre-game breakfast you’re after, Mom’s Place (4816 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; 813-875-2670) is a spring training classic, for fans, players and administrative employees alike. “Special International Omelettes” start at $4.95, and the 2-2-2 is a local favorite — two eggs, two strips of bacon, two sausages, $4.75. If it’s lunchtime, channel George Steinbrenner, who used to go in four times a week. His favorite, even when he was ill, was chopped steak with onions and gravy, and a side Greek salad, $7.95. Cash only.

Inside the ballpark it’s the Brooklyn-born Boar’s Head Deli that attracts the most customers. And we know why. Hot dogs are excellent, but a roast beef and cheese ($10) and a freshly made lemonade ($6.50) will really make the game more enjoyable.

DRINK

Bucs fans flock to Brickhouse Tavern and Tap (1102 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, brickhousetavernandtap.com) for the 80-plus beer selection and the 100-ounce towers of anything on draft, from $19. But this time of year other sports rule the 20 HDTVs, and Yankees fans fill the outdoor fire pit and patio bar. If you haven’t tried one already, Florida brews like Ybor Gold and Landshark, both $4.60, are available.