The Detroit Tigers play their Spring Training in Lakeland, Florida. Credit: Photo via Tigers/Facebook

There are a select few year-round experiences that are quintessential for any self-respecting resident or visitor in Tampa Bay. Just a few are reserved for springtime only, and one of those is baseball.

Half of major league teams play their spring ball in Florida, and five—Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers and the New York Yankees—do it right here in Tampa Bay. Each ballpark is special, and local matchups run through Monday, March 25 when the Rays take on the Phillies in Clearwater.

Highlights on this week’s agenda include the Red Sox at Blue Jays in Dunedin (March 22), Mets at Tigers in Lakeland (March 21) and Pirates at Yankees in Tampa (March 15).

More information is at floridagrapefruitleague.com.