spring training

American  

noun

1. a program of physical exercise, practice, and exhibition games followed by a baseball team in the late winter and early spring, before the start of the regular season.

2. the period during which such a program takes place, usually from the beginning of March until the middle of April.

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Etymology

Origin of spring training

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Meckler hit .315 over 111 at-bats with the Angels in spring training, after being claimed off waivers by the franchise in January.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026

Stripling would love the chance to speak at one of the Dodgers’ morning meetings in spring training, where players hear briefings about everything from safety and security to social media.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

After acquiring the Atlanta Braves baseball team in 1976, he sent an advertising sales executive to spring training to embed with the club, in uniform, so he could learn about baseball.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

Would he leave Banana Ball next year if an MLB team offered him an invite to spring training?

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

A young ball-player looks on his first spring training trip as a stage-struck young woman regards the theatre.

From Pitching in a Pinch or, Baseball from the Inside by Mathewson, Christy