It’s one of the most unique institutions in sports, and for more than a century it’s been the undeniable start of the baseball season. It’s spring training, and here are 10 reasons to make your pilgrimage this year.

1. Baseball fun under the afternoon sun — and hey, let’s play two!
Before there were ballpark lights, baseball was played only outdoors during the day and there’s nothing quite like baseball fun under the afternoon sun. You can work on your really lame tan, then text your friends freezing their fanny off back home and make them quite jealous. Most spring training games begin at 1 p.m. — and with no artificial light. But even better: with the close proximity of the teams, diehard fans can often make Ernie Banks proud and “play two,” with plenty of time to catch a nearby night game at 7 p.m.

2. There’s nothing like how the first sightings of spring make only you feel
Washington, D.C.’s first sign of spring is the cherry blossoms. But what makes America’s pastime so unique is that its first sign of spring depends totally on you — and your experience.

To a Brewers fan, for example, catching the first sign of spring might be Ryan Braun signing an autograph before hitting one to St. Louis; a glimpse of Bob Uecker broadcasting through an open window above the one-level concourse; or even the racing sausages getting their own practice in. But to another fan, even of the same team, the first sign of spring might be seeing uniforms they’ve never seen before, catching a foul ball or teaching their son or daughter how to keep score out on the berm.

3. Everyone’s in a good mood — and you never know what’s going to happen
Spring training reminds fans that baseball is still a kid’s game at heart. And if you bring one of yours, don’t be surprised if the little one leaves with a free baseball courtesy of a big leaguer. Near the dugouts, players, but especially coaches, will make sure foul balls that trickle along the dirt go to the kids. After all, anyone who loves baseball is in a good mood during spring training, from the ushers to the umpires to the fans.

Interactive MLB’s season preview Breaking down rosters, prospects of every team.

Until the regular season begins, all 30 MLB teams are still 0-0 when it comes to the real season. And you never know what you might see in spring training. One of the aspects I have most enjoyed is catching a young up-and-coming pitcher face an MLB All-Star in a spring training game — striking him out and making him look silly!

4. Never miss out on the start of a potential magic carpet ride
How many Angels fans could have imagined in spring 2002 that their team would win its first World Series that fall? Certainly not the Rally Monkey. Or that three years later, a Chicago White Sox team would be crowned champions for the first time since 1917? And how many Rays fans do you know who thought in spring 2008 that the long-time AL East cellar dwellers were bound for the Fall Classic?

So now you understand why Cubs fans, those most faithful of loveable losers, always lead spring training in attendance — you never know. Cry about the Yankees and their over-bloated payroll, but the fact is 23 of the 30 clubs have made the playoffs within the past 10 years. And wouldn’t it be a spring training to remember if you were there when that magical season started when no one else believed? Might 2010 be the year for your team?

5. New faces in different places
Sure, hardcore purists still hate free agency, but there is a special newness to seeing how the new faces in different places turn out, including those acquired via trade. Then there’s the players acquired at mid-season the previous year, beginning their first spring training with their new team.

6. Accessibility equals ‘Autograph Alley’
Spring training offers incredible accessibility, with fans able to scoot up again short railings, rope lines and fences to watch their favorite players get ready for the season. This accessibility also affords fans a great opportunity to secure autographs from players and coaches, from when they step out of the locker room to before or after practice or games. In fact, I’ve seen players sign autographs from the window of their car as they enter the ballpark.