Desert Dogs With Mustard

The World Series is in the can. Congrats to the Royals, a well deserved world championship. Now fans sink into that chasm of despair between now and March known as the off-season. There is a glimmer of interest and hope as the winter meetings are held where blockbuster trades are made and free agents are signed. But otherwise, baseball is over. Or is it?

Look west dear fan. Phoenix to be precise. I present to you the Arizona Fall League. This league was formed to give prospects and younger umpires some extra development after the minor league season ended. There are six teams that play in five of the Cactus League spring training facilities (two teams share a facility).

Team composition is complicated, but basically each MLB team can send a couple of players to the Arizona Fall League (AFL). AFL teams are comprised of prospects from several MLB organizations. There is a east and west division of three teams each. And they are:

Mesa Solar Sox

Salt River Rafters

Scottsdale Scorpions

Glendale Desert Dogs

Peoria Javelinas

Surprise Saguaros

If you read my report of hot dogs during the Cactus League season, you know much about the ballparks already. But which has the best specialty dog? You don’t know? Me neither. But I am going to find out. That’s right, while you drown in your tears of sorrow about the lack of hardball available to watch, I am headed to Phoenix on November 9 to catch a game and down a dog in each of the Arizona Fall League ballparks. Don’t be jealous. Ok, you can be jealous.

Live in the area? Meet me at the ballpark and I will let you buy me a ticket, dog and a beer. Otherwise, stay tuned on reports of dogs and how my tan is coming along.