It was a quick drive from Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix out to the complex — which is not quite in the middle of nowhere, but it’s right around the corner. Driving in you can easily spot Goodyear Ballpark and the separate training centers for the Reds and the Indians. It’s hard to miss since there is nothing else around, except for the airplane graveyard that sits right next door.
There is no question the facilities here are second to none. Players have a clubhouse that rivals the one back at Great American Ballpark, which is just steps away from some of the finest practice fields I’ve seen. The big problem is the shared stadium is not what you would call walking distance from the complex. In fact, after spring games the players and coaches have to catch a ride back on a bus.
The one negative that is hard to ignore is the lack of real Reds fans. When they trained down in Florida, it was like old home week: You couldn’t take five steps without running into somebody from the Miami Valley. Let’s face it, even a die-hard fan isn’t going to jump in the car and make this trip to see either of Goodyear’s “home town” teams.
The funny thing is, I’m not opposed to change. When the Reds moved from Plant City, Fla., to Sarasota, it was a major upgrade in every way. Many say the facilities here in Arizona are another step in that direction. It sure looks like spring training, it just doesn’t feel like it.
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