Cactus League games don’t begin for another two weeks, but games aren’t the only reason a diehard baseball fan should spend some time at the ball fields.

Games are certainly the highlight of Spring Training as they provide fans with the opportunity to watch their favorite teams and players prepare for the upcoming season.

However, the workouts can be equally entertaining and will save you a lot of money (workouts are free and there are no $8 beers burning a hole in your pocket).

Fans often try to relate to athletes. At one point or another most fans have a flashbacks while watching a game.

Everyone remembers their Little League days and the time they used to play. Typically these moments happen when a player makes a mistake and the fan exclaims “I could have made that play” to anyone that will listen.

While odds are you or I couldn’t have made that play, Spring training workouts further intensify that sense of nostalgia.

There’s something special about watching Major League players – athletes that are making millions of dollars and used to playing in front of thousands of fans – just field ground ball after ground ball like we all did as kids.

In addition to getting a rare glimpse behind the curtain, workouts can be extremely valuable to those seeking autographs or trying to interact with coaches and players.

During Saturday morning’s Diamondbacks workout, Addison Reed signed some autographs and gave a young fan a pair of shoes. Tony LaRussa and Joe Carter also took the time to sign autographs and interact with fans.

Yes, players sign and talk to fans at Cactus League games too, but Carter’s session with the fans illustrated how unique the workout experience can be.

After signing and taking pictures with a horde of 50 or so fans, Carter easily could have gone on with his day and everyone would have been happy.

Instead, the Special Assistant to the General Manager hung out a little while longer and – using the bat to mimic a golf club – talked to some fans about playing golf and life as a former player.

Obviously autographs are up to the athletes and everyone is in a different mood or on a different schedule every day, but typically workouts have very little fanfare and the athletes are accommodating at either the beginning or conclusion of their workout.

When accepting awards, celebrating a championship or reflecting on a big win athletes often talk about the work that was put in behind the scenes – the work fans didn’t get to see.

Well, Spring training workouts give fans that opportunity in a way few professional sports do.

Sure, there is still plenty that isn’t visible to the public, but Spring Training workouts pull back the curtain a bit and are certainly worth a couple hours on a Saturday morning.