Quotes from sports legends about having confidence and winning

Here are some great sports-based quotes on the importance of being confident and winning, curated by the Playopoly review team.

“Show me a guy who’s afraid to look bad, and I’ll show you a guy you can beat every time.”– Lou Brock

“You can motivate by fear, and you can motivate by reward. But both those methods are only temporary. The only lasting thing is self motivation.”– Homer Rice

“My motto was always to keep swinging. Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do was keep swinging.” – Hank Aaron

“To uncover your true potential you must first find your own limits and then you have to have the courage to blow past them.”– Picabo Street

“If you train hard, you’ll not only be hard, you’ll be hard to beat.”– Herschel Walker

“If you can believe it, the mind can achieve it.”– Ronnie Lott

“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”– Michael Jordan

“Just keep going. Everybody gets better if they keep at it.”– Ted Williams

“Push yourself again and again. Don’t give an inch until the final buzzer sounds.”– Larry Bird

“The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital.”– Joe Paterno

“Never let your head hang down. Never give up and sit down and grieve. Find another way.”– Satchel Paige

“You’re never a loser until you quit trying.”– Mike Ditka For plenty of great sporting content, check out Playopoly today.

Classic adventure books set at sea

Dve under the surface of the sea to find the heart of adventure with these books curated by the Playopoly review team.

Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

Call me Ishmael, begins this epic story. Acclaimed as one of the greatest books of the sea that’s ever been written, Moby-Dick relates the timeless story of a voyage to hunt and kill the great white whale that rules the ocean and haunts cruel captain Ahab’s mind.

Jaws by Peter Benchley

Jaws is the story of three men’s quest to kill a human-eating great white shark. It’s a high-stakes adventure on the sea, which holds more dangers than anyone could have ever imagined.

The Odyssey by Homer

You won’t get any story closer to a purer definition of an adventure than The Odyssey. Homer tells the famous story of Odysseus in this Greek epic poem: from the moment that Troy falls to the journey that he must take to get home over the course of ten years.

If you love a good adventure, you will love all the content you can find at Playopoly.

Famous Sports Quotes To Inspire You

Not only are sports great for your physical health, but it is scientifically proven to be good for your mental health too. So, here is this inspiring collection of sports quotes that will get you out of your bed and get going to play your favorite game, curated by the Playopoly review team.

• “Self-praise is for losers. Be a winner. Stand for something. Always have class, and be humble.” – John Madden

• “Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it.” – George S. Halas

• “Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? The opportunity to play.” – Mike Singletary

• “Moment of victory is much too short to live for that and nothing else.” – Martina Navratilova

• “The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning.” – Pele

• “It is not the size of a man but the size of his heart that matters.” – Evander Holyfield

• “Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement.” – Matt Biondi

• “The road to Easy Street goes through the sewer.” – John Madden

• “I learned that if you want to make it bad enough, no matter how bad it is, you can make it.” – Gale Sayers

• “There is only one way to succeed in anything…and that is to give it everything.” – Vince Lombardi

• “I am no genius; I just worked hard like my other teammates, and I believe all my teammates can win the title as they work hard, too.” – Lin Dan

• “Good is not good when better is expected.” – Vin Scully

• “There are no shortcuts–everything is reps, reps, reps.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger

• “It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.” – Vince Lombardi

• “Wisdom is always an overmatch for strength.” – Phil Jackson

• “Excellence is not a singular act but a habit. You are what you do repeatedly.” – Shaquille O’Neal

• “A champion needs a motivation above and beyond winning.” – Pat Riley

• “Winning is not a sometime thing; it’s an all-time thing. You don’t win once in a while, you don’t do things right once in a while, you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.” – Vince Lombardi

• “If you think it’s hard to meet new people, try picking up the wrong golf ball.” – Jack Lemmon

• “Finding good players is easy. Getting them to play as a team is another story.” – Casey Stengel

• “It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.”— Vince Lombardi

• “When you’re riding, only the race in which you’re riding is important.” – Bill Shoemaker

• “Never say never because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” – Michael Jordan

For plenty more great sporting content, check out Playopoly today.

Inspirational Sports Quotes About Becoming Legendary With Positive Mindset

Not only are sports great for your physical health, but it is scientifically proven to be good for your mental health too. So, here is this inspiring collection of sports quotes that will get you out of your bed and get going to play your favorite game, curated by the Playopoly review team.

• “Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.” – Dean Karnazes

• “The only way to prove that you’re a good sport is to lose.” – Ernie Banks

• “The man who has no imagination has no wings.” – Muhammad Ali

• “Today, you have 100% of your life left.” – Tom Landry

• “A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever.” – Mary Lou Retton

• “Only he who can see the invisible can do the impossible.” – Frank L. Gaines

• “Winners never quit and quitters never win.” – Vince Lombardi

• “Age is no barrier. It’s a limitation you put on your mind.” – Jackie Joyner-Kersee

• “I’ve failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan

• “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” – Tim Notke

• “Never let your head hang down. Never give up and sit down and grieve. Find another way.” – Satchel Paige

• “Football doesn’t build character, it reveals character.” – Marv Levy

• “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” – Babe Ruth

• “If you fail to prepare, you’re prepared to fail.” – Mark Spitz

• “Never give up! Failure and rejection are only the first step to succeeding.” – Jim Valvano

• “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky

• “A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever.” – Mary Lou Retton

• “Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is.” – Vince Lombardi

• “Without self-discipline, success is impossible, period.” – Lou Holtz

• “When you’ve got something to prove, there’s nothing greater than a challenge.” – Terry Bradshaw

• “Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can’t.” – Jerry Rice

• “When you don’t give up, you cannot fail.” – Adrian Peterson

• “Never limit yourself, never be satisfied, and smile… It’s free!” – Jennie Finch

• “Good is not good when better is expected.” – Vin Scully

• “Believe me, the reward is not so great without the struggle.” – Wilma Rudolph

• “Passion first and everything will fall into place.” – Holly Holm

• “You cannot make progress with excuses.” – Cam Newton

• “One man can be a crucial ingredient on a team, but one man cannot make a team.” – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

For more great sport content, check out Playopoly today.

Best Choose Your own Adventure Books of All Time

Before computer games were a thing, the 1980s saw a surge in the ‘choose your own adventure’ genre of adventure books. These were aimed at teenagers and allowed them to choose a path through the story to change the ending. Many of these books are still available on sites like Playopoly, but here are the best choose your own adventure books of all time.

The Mystery of Chimney Rock by Edward Packard

This is one of a series of books written by Packard. It features a group of teenagers who visit a spooky house when they shouldn’t. It has a cartoon vibe to it, and the choices available give a good variation to the story. It is also one of the few adventurer books that gives you the option to not go on an adventure at all.

The Gateway of Doom by J. H. Brennan

King Arthur’s realm is the backdrop to this book. As a young farm boy/girl, you go on adventures set by the Wizard Merlin. You have a junior Excalibur sword and meet snakes, gorillas and many other monsters on the way. The books are not too heavy, and even parody this type of story on occasions.

The Amazing Spider-Man: City in Darkness by Jeff Grubb

On Playopoly you may even find this book featuring the superhero Spider-Man. This book is well written and gives the reader different points of view such as the villain. This makes it an interesting read, and one of the better examples.

Check out the library at Playopoly for more books of this type.

Best Adventure Games That Came From Books

Reading a good book can take you into a new world filled with tension, joy and many other emotions. However, some have these into equally tense and possibly frustrating board games. There have been many books that have received this treatment over the years, and the books can be found online on sites like Playopoly. However, here are some of the best adventure games to have come from books.

Lord of the Rings

Now, I would guess there are not many people that don’t at least know about this book, but the board game is also a good adaptation. It is for age 12 and over and was made by the Hasbro Game company. The game story is that of the book, you are a Hobbit that has to take the ring to Mordor.

Fury of Dracula

The original book by Bram Stoker which you can find on Playopoly, has been made into many things over the years, so a board game wasn’t going to be a stretch. The game features you as a vampire hunter, trying to track down Dracula by racing across Europe.

Game of Thrones

Another classic book that has made it to the board game market. You are battling for control of the land of Westeros, but along the way, you have to deceive and backstab your opponents. The conflict aspect is not dissimilar to the game RISK.

For more books that became board games, check out the library at Playopoly.

Funniest Books of All Time

Although there are many books that can educate and entertain, sometimes what you really need is a good laugh. There have been many hilarious books over the years, many of which you can find on Playopoly. Here are some of the best and funniest books of all time.

Carry On, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse (1925)

If there is one person that antipifies the 1920s its P.G Wodehouse. His stories, which can be found on Playopoly, are full of upper-class antics including cricket, afternoon tea, and soup for lunch. Bertie Wooster is the ‘toff’ that is helpless without his butler Jeeves. Their adventures are always funny and entertaining.

I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron (2006)

The creator behind such hits as When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle writes about what its like to get older and the struggles that follow. This includes essays on children, her purse, and owning a pet. It is one of those books you cannot put down, and you can find it on Playopoly.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾ by Sue Townsend (1982)

This was one of the biggest selling books of its time, and it’s easy to see why. Adrian Mole was someone many teenagers of the time could realte to, and parents saw their formative years in its pages as well. The book is packed with one-liners that even today, can make you chuckle.

There are many others that also deserve a mention including A Hitchikers Guide to the Galalxy and, Notes From a Small Island. All of these and more can be found on Playopoly, so go and check them out.

Best Outdoor Adventure Books

With each spell of warmer weather, there are many people who decide that this will be their opportunity to go outside and be more active. While some make it a reality, others quickly find that life gets in the way. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy others living the adventurous life. Here are some of the best outdoor adventure dooks you can find on Playopoly and other sites.

Touching the Void: The True Story of One Man’s Miraculous Survival By Joe Simpson

You know those action movies that seem so miraculous that you think there is no way this could happen in real life? Well, Joe Simpson’s story of survival while climbing in South America is something you would put down to an overactive imagination.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail By Cheryl Stayed

If you are looking for a story of inspiration, then this book by Cheryl Stayed, which you can find on Playopoly, is just what you need. Cheryl was in a dark place with divorce, the death of her mother, and drug addiction. However, she decided to embark on an amazing 1,000-mile journey alone on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Alone Against the North By Adam Shoalts

For all of the canoeing enthusiasts out there, this book is one of exploration and courage. Adam Shoalts sets out to paddle along an unnamed river in the Hudson Bay Lowlands. This has never been charted so there are no maps and no idea what lays ahead.

If you love reading about outdoor adventures, then check out the huge library on Playopoly.

Best Motivational Quotes from Famous Athletes

The Playopoly review team have curated the best in motivational quotes from famous athletes. We hope you find something that really speaks to you in that moment you need it most.

1) “If something stands between you and your success, move it. Never be denied.”

- Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

2) “Don’t be afraid of failure. This is the way to succeed.”

- LeBron James

3) “You dream. You plan. You reach. There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, with belief, with confidence and trust in yourself and those around you, there are no limits.”

- Michael Phelps

4) "You must not only have competitiveness but ability, regardless of the circumstance you face, to never quit."

—Abby Wambach

5) “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

—Michael Jordan

6) “It’s going to be a journey. It’s not a sprint to get in shape.”

—Kerri Walsh Jennings

7) “Just believe in yourself. Even if you don’t pretend that you do and, and some point, you will.”

—Venus Williams

8) “Champions keep playing until they get it right.”

– Billie Jean King

9) “It is more difficult to stay on top than to get there.”

– Mia Hamm

10) “If you persevere long enough, if you do the right things long enough, the right things will happen.”  

- Manon Rheaume

11) “It doesn’t matter what you’re trying to accomplish. It’s all a matter of discipline.”

- Wilma Rudolph

12) “The only person who can stop you from reaching your goals is you.”

— Jackie Joyner-Kersee

For tons more adventure and sports-related content, check out Playopoly.

Best eBooks That Talks About the Sporting World

Sport-centric eBooks can help you improve your performance. They motivate readers and tell them the secrets of becoming a better sportsperson. Here are some of the best sport-centric eBooks you'll find at Playopoly.

Stories from the Sled- Faith Lee

This eBook entails seven unique stories about sledge hockey, an adaptation of ice hockey designed for people who have a physical disability.

Made in Africa- Ed Aarons

This eBook talks about the history of African players in English football. It explains how the journey has not been simple for these players, but some have made it big. Get the eBook and discover how they overcame racism and changed the face of football.

For the Good of the Game-Bud Selig

In this eBook, the author tells readers that it is about time the baseball sport accepts the change to evolve and compete with other sports professionally. The eBook is ideal for players, fans, and managers of soccer teams. Bud has been the head of MLB for a long and talks about the changes he has tried to enforce to modernize the game.

Inside a marathon-Scott Fauble and Ben Rosario

This eBook penetrates through the mind of an athlete and the coach, which happens as they prepare for the New York City Marathon. You can get this Ebook at Playopoly.

Peak-Dr. Marc Bubbs

This eBook talks about health, nutrition, mindset, recovery, and training that a sportsperson needs to succeed.

For more eBooks that talk about sports, visit Playopoly.

3 Best Sports Music To Listen To When Exercising

Workout music has several advantages in terms of motivation and perseverance. Here is a quick overview of the best sports music you can listen to if you want to improve your performance when working out.

Basketball - Kurtis Blow

This song is about Basketball sport and starts with a chorus that consists of iconic lines for Hoopers. Kurtis successfully managed to connect basketball sport and hip-hop. Also, he mentions his love and passion for the sport in the song. The artist also raps about some of the famous basketball legends. These include Bill Russell and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who is now in the Hall of Fame. Lastly, Blow encourages the spirit of motivation when he mentions Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 point game in 1962.

Catfish - Bob Dylan

Written in 1975, the song talks about Catfish Hunter when he was at the peak of his powers. Dylan sings ‘’ Catfish, million-dollar man/ Nobody can throw the ball like Catfish.’’ Also, he states that Catfish was a Hall of Fame pitcher who signed a contract with the popular team Yankees. Additionally, the artist talks about how he became a rising star while playing with Charlie Finley’s Oakland Athletics.

Kobe Bryant - Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne wrote a song about the late Kobe Bryant; after his painful death, the swaggering anthem became an inspirational soundtrack to most upcoming basketball players with a dream. Wayne includes some of the traits and memories of Kobe that pushed him to greatness.

If you are a sports enthusiast looking for sport music tracks, don't hesitate to visit Playopoly.com.

Paul Bear Bryant Quotes About Winning In Sports

Here is our latest collection of Paul Bear Bryant quotes straight from the American college football player and coach himself.

1. “A few minutes ago, I had a hard time getting through the lobby because of all the people. After today, that won’t be happening.” – Paul Bryant

2. “A good, quick, small team can beat a big, slow team anytime.” – Paul Bryant

3. “All I know is, I don’t want to stop coaching, and I don’t want to stop winning, so we’re gonna break the record unless I die.” – Paul Bryant

4. “Be aware of “yes” men. Generally, they are losers. Surround yourself with winners. Never forget –people win.” – Paul Bryant

5. “Don’t give up at halftime. Concentrate on winning the second half.” – Paul Bryant

6. “Don’t talk too much or too soon.” – Paul Bryant

7. “Every time a player goes out there, at least 20 people have some amount of influence on him. His mother has more influence than anyone. I know because I played, and I loved my mama.” – Paul Bryant

8. “Everybody’s got pretty good players now, more players than there’ve ever been. If you play poorly, you’re going to get beat.” – Paul Bryant

9. “First there are those who are winners, and know they are winners. Then there are the losers who know they are losers. Then there are those who are not winners, but don’t know it. They’re the ones for me. They never quit trying. They’re the soul of our game.” – Paul Bryant

10. “Football games are generally won by the boys with the greatest desire.” – Paul Bryant

11. “Hell, no! A tie is like kissing your sister!” – Paul Bryant

12. “I ain’t never had much fun. I ain’t never been two inches away from a football. Here guys go fishing on the day of the game, hunting, golfing, and all I want to do is be alone, studying how not to lose.”

13. “I ain’t won but one. My team won the rest in spite of me.” – Paul Bryant

14. “I can reach a kid who doesn’t have any ability as long as he doesn’t know it.” – Paul Bryant

15. “I didn’t care if we ever quit practicing. I loved it. The only other guy I ever knew who loved it as much was Jerry Duncan. He would beg to practice even when he was hurt. I’ve actually seen him cry because the trainer told him he couldn’t scrimmage.” – Paul Bryant

16. “I don’t have any ideas; my coaches have them. I just pass the ideas on and referee the arguments.” – Paul Bryant

17. “I don’t hire anybody not brighter than I am. If they’re not smarter than me, I don’t need them.” – Paul Bryant

18. “I have tried to teach them to show class, to have pride, and to display character. I think football, winning games, takes care of itself if you do that.” – Paul Bryant

For plenty more sport content, check out www.playopoly.com.

Tiger Woods Quotes for a Successful Future

Here are some great takeaways from Tige Woods’ successful career which you can apply to your own life.

1. “I love to compete. That’s the essence of who I am.” – Tiger Woods

2. “It will always be the ball and me.” – Tiger Woods

3. “My main focus is on my game.” – Tiger Woods

4. “Golf is me.” – Tiger Woods

5. “Golf has made me and shaped me into the person I am here today.” – Tiger Woods

6. “Every sport evolves. Every sport gets bigger and more athletic, and you have to keep up.” – Tiger Woods

7. “There’s no point in going to a tournament if you don’t believe that you can win it.” – Tiger Woods

8. “I think that in itself, if you’re a true golfer, you’ll see specific things you need to work on. Much cheaper than private lessons.” – Tiger Woods

9. “I’m addicted. I’m addicted to golf.” – Tiger Woods

10. “I get to play golf for a living. What more can you ask for—getting paid for doing what you love.” – Tiger Woods

11. “Golf is a great way for someone to learn discipline, responsibility, and sportsmanship.” – Tiger Woods

12. “My main focus is on my game.” – Tiger Woods

13. “I’m going to try to keep getting better.” – Tiger Woods

14. “I’m not as far along as Jack Nicklaus was at this age, but I’m trying.” – Tiger Woods

15. “Winning is not always the barometer of getting better.” – Tiger Woods

16. “I mean, as an athlete, as a competitor, you have to have that belief in yourself.” – Tiger Woods

17. “You can always become better.” – Tiger Woods

18. “Winning takes care of everything.” – Tiger Woods

19. “I smile at obstacles.” – Tiger Woods

20. “There’s always stuff to work on. You’re never there.” – Tiger Woods

21. “My will can move mountains.” – Tiger Woods

22. “Days when you just don’t have it, you don’t pack it in, you give it everything you’ve got. You grind it out.” – Tiger Woods

23. “Other golfers may outplay me from time to time, but they’ll never outwork me.” – Tiger Woods

For plenty more great sport content, check out www.playopoly.com.

Who are basketball’s top clutch players?

Basketball is an exciting, end-to-end game and the shot clock ensures there’s action around each basket almost every few seconds. Scoring is fast and constant and many players can dunk, shoot or lay-up will breathtaking regularity throughout the game. However, what happens when the clock is running out and teams are locked together on the scoreboard? When the game enters a critical phase, that’s when a team’s clutch players step up.

What is a clutch player?

A clutch player is the one who can turn the game in the dying seconds. They don’t only have to rely on their innate ball skills, but also must summon up the resolve and fortitude not to be overawed with the high stakes involved. They must be mentally and physically strong.

Who are the top clutch players of recent years?

Here are a few players who got the job done when it mattered most:

Reggie Miller

A man who seemed to really come alive as the buzzer approaches. Miller has provided many late moments of drama. One was when reeled off eight points in just nine seconds to help the Indiana Pacers clinch Game 1 off the 1995 NBA Eastern Conference playoffs against the New York Knicks.

Kobe Bryant

The big man for the big occasion. LA Lakers legend memorably launched a shot just as the buzzer sounded in his team’s 2006 Western Conference playoff game with the Phoenix Suns and sunk the basket which handed the Lakers the win.

Michael Jordan

The greatest of all time has had too many clutch moments to mention and that just proves that he was a man who thrived under pressure and when the game was in the melting pot

Read more tales of sporting heroics with the books from www.playopoly.com.

Marathon runners set sights on magical two-hour mark

Sport at the very highest level is all about breaking barriers and setting new standards, but there is one big mark which has so far proved elusive even for the world’s elite athletes.

The world record for the men’s marathon has tumbled over the years, but attempts to duck the magical two-hour mark for the 26.4 mile run have so far fallen just short.

The fact that running a marathon in two hours is even being considered is an illustration of the remarkable achievements of the world’s best runners over the years. The current world record is held by Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge who shaved a remarkable one minute and 20 seconds off the previous best when he ran the distance in two hours one minute and 39 seconds in Berlin in September 2018.

It was no surprise that Kipchoge would be the one to set such a remarkable time. Kipchoge was one of three runners who took part in an ambitious experiment in December 2016 organized sportswear giant Nike. The Breaking2 event was staged at the Grand Prix motor racing track in Monza, Italy with the intention of providing the optimum conditions for either Kipchoge, Zersenay Tadaese and Leslisa Desisa to run a marathon in under. The time could not be considered an official world record and Kipchoge was the closest to the elusive mark, covering the distance in two hours and 25 seconds.

The first record world marathon record was 2.55.18 which was achieved by American Johnny Hayes at the London Olympics in 1908. The fact that almost an hour has been taken off that mark in 110 years suggests breaking the two-hour barrier can’t be too far away.

For more tales of great sporting achievement check out the books at www.playopoly.com.

Marathon runners set sights on magical two-hour mark

Sport at the very highest level is all about breaking barriers and setting new standards, but there is one big mark which has so far proved elusive even for the world’s elite athletes.

The world record for the men’s marathon has tumbled over the years, but attempts to duck the magical two-hour mark for the 26.4 mile run have so far fallen just short.

The fact that running a marathon in two hours is even being considered is an illustration of the remarkable achievements of the world’s best runners over the years. The current world record is held by Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge who shaved a remarkable one minute and 20 seconds off the previous best when he ran the distance in two hours one minute and 39 seconds in Berlin in September 2018.

It was no surprise that Kipchoge would be the one to set such a remarkable time. Kipchoge was one of three runners who took part in an ambitious experiment in December 2016 organized sportswear giant Nike. The Breaking2 event was staged at the Grand Prix motor racing track in Monza, Italy with the intention of providing the optimum conditions for either Kipchoge, Zersenay Tadaese and Leslisa Desisa to run a marathon in under. The time could not be considered an official world record and Kipchoge was the closest to the elusive mark, covering the distance in two hours and 25 seconds.

The first record world marathon record was 2.55.18 which was achieved by American Johnny Hayes at the London Olympics in 1908. The fact that almost an hour has been taken off that mark in 110 years suggests breaking the two-hour barrier can’t be too far away.

For more tales of great sporting achievement check out the books at www.playopoly.com.

Grapefruit and cactus: The story behind baseball’s spring training season

Baseball has many quirky traditions, even when the sport isn’t even in season. Right now, Major League Baseball teams have all migrated south – well, the ones that aren’t located there in the first place that is – for spring training.

Spring training is a tradition that is over 100 years old with the theory that training and preparing for the new baseball season, which is traditionally starts in early April, in warmer climes was beneficial to the players.

With the number of teams travelling to states such as Florida and Arizona beginning to grow at the start of the 20th century, they began to play exhibition games against each other and these quickly morphed into mini pre-season tournaments.

One such tournament is known as the Grapefruit League and takes place in Florida. The Grapefruit first came about in 1914 as teams like the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians began to regularly travel to the state for spring training. Now the League features 15 teams, including two who already based in the Sunshine State.

For this teams who don’t base themselves in Florida during the early spring months, Arizona is the favored state for spring training. The Cactus League was born in the 1940s as the state became a popular destination for Major League teams and now around 15 of them base their pre-season preparations there.

Spring training often coincides with spring break for school kids, which allows them to get a close-up glimpse of their heroes without having to worry about seeking out much sought-after tickets for big games.

For more sporting stories, check out the books from www.playopoly.com.