Pages from a travel journal from a 2007 trip to the Arizona Fall League.Jimmy Rollins was in Arizona yesterday for induction into the Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame. Rollins played in the league in 2000, the year that he made his first appearance as a Phillie. Eight years later, fresh off a World Series victory, he's in the HOF. Good timing, huh?
My co-blogger and I made an AFL trip last year. She used to go regularly; for me it was a first. We also followed the 2007 World Series unfold while staying at Second Mesa, in Hopi Land, and back in Phoenix. I still vividly recall driving back from the Grand Canyon to Second Mesa and listening to the Rockies radio broadcast of one of those dismal games.
Last year the Phillies minor leaguers played for the Peo Saguaros, in Peoria, AZ. This year they're with the Mesa Solar Sox, in Mesa. HoHoKam, the stadium there, is the spring training site of the Cubbies. HoHoKam is one of the cooler AZ parks; it plays blues music between innings! We also found a great little family restaurant, called the Little Mesa Cafe, which had excellent homemade pies.
Autumn in Arizona has its own charm. Anyone who loves baseball should try to make a trip to the Arizona Fall League. Each major league team sends five or six prospects, who are then assigned to an AFL team. This year the Phillies are teamed with the Cubs, Braves, Marlins, and Tigers. Not many people go to the AFL games. The stands are virtually empty but for baseball people, scouts, and a handful of fans. It's a good chance to see prospects from around the majors. The atmosphere and desert ambience are something special.
