Astros, Nationals new facility a big hit in West Palm Beach

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – You can hear the sounds of progress in West Palm Beach.

Workers continue to put the final touches on the Astros new spring training home at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.

Despite the noise, baseball is back.

“This is so impressive,” said Manager A.J. Hinch. “It doesn’t matter how far along the construction is at this point or not. Now we are here to work.”

The players, like pitcher Collin McHugh, said the organization has hit a home run with the big investment and partnership with the Nationals.

“This is really beautiful,” said pitcher Collin McHugh. “This is top notch and very classy. It’s what we have gotten used to with this organization and they have done it again.”

The facility is state of the art.

New practice fields fill the Astros side of the complex that also includes variety of extras like agility areas, two practice fields including one with the same dimensions as Minute Maid Park.

Also onsite are covered, and uncovered, bullpens and hitting stations.

It’s a baseball haven, complete with all the perks a player or staff would ever need.

“It’s amazing,” said pitcher Mike Fiers. “The fields are awesome, it’s really cool here and it’s also really big, too. The organization is moving in a good direction and I’m happy to be here.”

One of the new faces in West Palm Beach is catcher Brian McCann. He’s used to top-notch spring facilities while with the Yankees and Braves but was taken aback the moment he arrived at the Astros new digs.

"It’s really unbelievable what they've done here," said McCann Wednesday morning. “Everything is first class from what I can see and I’m looking forward to walking around to take it all in. I really happy to be an Astros and get to know my new teammates.”

Pitcher Brad Peacock is also on cloud nine as he grew up and currently lives 15 minutes away in nearby Lake Worth.

“It’s really perfect for me and I get to sleep in my own bed,” said Peacock. “I’ve seen some of the construction, but my dad has been by here often to watch it all develop. This place is really nice.”