Spring training is back!
The Grapefruit League and Cactus League resumed action Sunday in Florida and Arizona, respectively, as Major League Baseball prepares for the 2021 season.
Day 1 featured 14 games, with plenty of moments to enjoy as the American pastime unfolded on the pitch.
Grab a hot dog, sunflower seeds and a socially distant patch of sunshine as we watch some of the best moments from Sunday’s action.
The man of the moment
Baltimore Orioles first baseman Trey Mancini has missed the entire 2020 season due to a battle with colon cancer.
After undergoing surgery and completing six months of chemotherapy before spring training, Mancini got the start at first base for the O’s against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The limited fans present and both dugouts cheered the 28-year-old as he made his way to the plate.
Mancini hit a single at bat, his first appearance at bat in nearly a year.
It will be hard to find a more heartwarming moment than this.
Welcome, Nolan!
The St. Louis Cardinals made the biggest splash of the offseason when they added former Colorado Rockies star Nolan Arenado to their roster.
Fans got their first glimpse of Arenado in the Cardinals roster on Sunday, and they hinted their support.
Unfortunately, the 29-year-old Arenado ended the day against the Washington Nationals 0-for-2 with one strikeout, so fans will have to wait to cheer on his first hit in Cardinals red.
What’s in a name?
Part of the charm of spring training is the sheer volume of opportunities for players to get playing time.
As the rosters swell to a maximum of 75 players, it can be difficult to keep track of lesser-known names.
Such was the case with legendary New York Yankees announcer John Sterling, who came clean when Trevor Lane was spotted warming up in the New York bullpen.
Here’s hoping Lane can make a name for herself this spring.
It didn’t take long
A day after the start of spring training, the bats are already turning.
Miami Marlins outfielder Lewis Brinson showed off his two-run homer in the first inning against the Houston Astros, which was music to the ears of those in the Miami dugout.
Wow, buddy!
Everyone digs the long ball, but outfield assists are kind of like the defensive equivalent of a home run.
Oakland A outfielder Buddy Reed uncorked one from right field to take a run off the board for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning, catching Matt Beaty being a little greedy on the base paths.
Check back later for more of the best spring training moments!
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