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

Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell threw off the mound for the first time in spring training on Thursday, throwing 15 pitches — all fastballs — sitting between 87 to 89 mph.

From Los Angeles Times

He signed with the Dodgers on Feb. 16 on a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s the roaring opposite of lazy foul ball spring training.

From The Wall Street Journal

In spring training clubhouses across Florida and Arizona last month, players watched in awe as the American men’s hockey team stunned Canada to win a gold medal in Milan.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Dodgers are so deep that Klein might not make the team out of spring training.

From Los Angeles Times