Cactus League Spring Training, a seasonal rite in Greater Phoenix, roars to life every March with the iconic sounds of cracking bats, snapping mitts and happy fans. For baseball lovers, it doesn’t get much better than this: sunny weather, affordable tickets and unparalleled proximity to the best players in the game.

The 2015 Cactus League season features 15 major league teams and more than 220 games from March 3 to April 4. There’s never an off day, and the longest “road trip” between stadiums is 45 minutes.

Cactus League Spring Training participants: