Well, folks, the holidays have already come and gone and here we are, so close to spring. Of course, this can only mean two things. The first is that road trip season is just around the corner. The second thing is baseball, baseball, baseball.

So, if you’re a baseball fan itching to get back on the road again, it’s time to buckle up! Today we’re taking you on a trip around Florida’s Grapefruit League that’s sure to be a home run.

THE BOYS OF SPRING: FLORIDA’S GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE

Nevertheless, from Ruth to Ripken, spring training in Florida has witnessed some of the greatest names in baseball over the years.

HOW FLORIDA’S GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE GOT ITS NAME

The weather in Florida has always been great for spring training. However, it has also served as a great place to get some good PR in for the teams as well.

One day in 1915, Brooklyn Dodgers manager Wilbert Robinson and outfielder Casey Stengel noticed that aerobatic aviator Ruth Law had a pretty good publicity stunt. To advertise a local golf course, Ruth would drop golf balls from her airplane.

Robinson and Stengel got the idea to do the same thing at their baseball field in Daytona Beach except with a baseball. Robinson himself would even stand on the pitcher’s mound to catch it. They took the idea to Law, and she agreed.

The day of the PR stunt, however, Ruth found herself 525 ft. in the air, without a baseball. Accounts vary about what happened next. The popular version goes like this: Acting quickly and noticing the grapefruit she brought with her lunch, she dropped the citrus fruit below. However, Robinson missed the catch. The grapefruit hit him in the chest, exploding on impact. Robinson looked down and saw red. Because he was expecting a baseball, he thought he had been mortally wounded. Nevertheless, he soon realized he was fine.

And it’s through this little publicity stunt that the Grapefruit League got its name.

The first two games of the spring training season happened Friday, February 23, 2024. The Northeastern University Huskies took on the Boston Red Sox at Jet Blue Park in the first game, 7-2 Boston won. And the Minnesota Twins beat the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers at the Hammond Stadium at Lee County Sports Complex.

For the complete spring training schedules of all 15 major league baseball teams, visit the Grapefruit League’s official website here.

Also, check out the inaugural edition of MLB’s Spring Breakout taking place March 14-17 at Grapefruit League ballparks across Florida. The event showcases the league’s up-and-coming talent through 16 exhibition games featuring each team’s top 20-25 prospects. This is definitely a series you don’t want to miss.

Finally, are you planning a road trip along America’s third coast this summer? Then why not catch nine innings with the Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, or Miami Marlins while you’re there? Click on the team name for regular season schedules.

Take Stuckey’s out to the Ol’ ballgame

Sure, peanuts and Cracker Jacks have always been the go-to snacks of every American ballpark. However, why not step up your game this year with Stuckey’s Hunkey Dorey popcorn mix? Its perfect blend of premium popcorn, house-made caramel, crunchy almonds, and Georgia-grown pecans make it the grand slam of ballpark snacks. Order some now from stuckeys.com and have some on hand for the entire season.

Along the way, pick up some delicious Stuckey’s pecan snacks at select Bealls, Wawa and Stuckey’s stores throughout Florida. Click on the stores for locations and more info.

And whether it’s baseball, barbecue, or the bayou, start planning your road trip along America’s third coast today – only at Go! Gulf States!

Stuckey’s – We’re Making Road Trips Fun Again!