Gene J. Puskar / AP

Bright House Networks Field in Clearwater, Fla., is a great setting for spring training baseball. As an added bonus, you can see the World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies play there.

GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE (FLORIDA) TOP 5

1. Bright House Networks Field in Clearwater (Phillies)

With a “Tiki Bar” beyond left field with first-come, first-serve seating, and one of the best cities in Florida to hit the beach, Clearwater also happens to be the spring training home of the defending World Series champs and some of the best sports fans around.

And since it’s opening in 2004, this has become one of the crown jewels of the Grapefruit circuit for its great atmosphere and unique design. Allow plenty of time pre-game to scope out a parking spot and your seat at the bar.

2. City of Palms Park in Fort Myers (Red Sox)

Only in one place in all of spring training will you hear fans clapping in unison in the first inning to try and help their team start a rally — only in the freak show known as Red Sox Nation (Hey, I know, I’m one of them).

Like Fenway “No Park,” if you like your space, City of Palms Park ain’t your place. The aisle ways are cramped, but the fan atmosphere is terrific, and the plethora of palms beyond the outfield fence reminds you that you’re not in Beantown (at least for the moment), freezing your Manny off.

3. Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland (Tigers)

The team with the longest relationship with a spring training host city, Joker Marchant Stadium is not only a historic yard, but also among the closest ballparks you’ll find these days whose simple charm hasn’t changed much in decades.

From the public address announcer proclaiming the temperature back in Motown to the diehard fans who come every year to the ability to easily secure autographs down the lines, this is one ballpark not to miss.

4. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa (Yankees)

One of the most corporate-feel ballparks in all of spring training, it nonetheless holds a special quality for its appeal, after all, as Bronx Zoo South. Plus, those who’ve not had an opportunity to visit Monument Park at Yankee Stadium will enjoy a miniature version in front of the ballpark, but inside be wary of the most unfriendly and gruff ushers in all of Florida.

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5. McKechnie Field in Bradenton (Pirates)

Yes, it’s the lowly Pirates, but it’s also spring training, and if you’re on a budget in these tough economic times look no further than the Bucs sweet little pad in downtown Bradenton. Always boasting the cheapest tickets in all of spring training, the Pirates also have a quaint, charming urban ballpark with its unique Spanish Mission façade.

Autographs here are easy to come by, too, if you stake out a place down the base lines, and you’ll feel a part of this small Florida city, as motorcycles and cars rev their engines passing by.

Honorable mentions: Meet the Mets and Greet the Mets in Port Saint Lucie, which boasts a good atmosphere although the ballpark still feels a little like a concrete jungle … Speaking of fans, the Twins have some of the best in baseball, although I’m not a big fan of their Fort Myers digs … Grab a frosty pre- or post-game at a local watering hole in lovely, laid back Dunedin where you can walk from downtown to the Blue Jays' ballpark and back in a snap … For the happiest and most expensive Grapefruit League corporate ballpark on earth, visit the Braves in Lake Buena Vista near Disneyworld.

Joe Connor is a freelance writer. He’s the author of "A Fan's Guide To The Ultimate Spring Training Experience” which is available for purchase exclusively at his Web sites: www.modernerabaseball.com and www.mrsportstravel.com.

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