Arizona’s Cactus League has kicked off its 2009 schedule. For the next month, 14 major-league baseball teams are playing exhibition games at 11 stadiums, including Mesa’s Hohokam Park, Tempe Diablo Stadium and Scottsdale Stadium.

After the games, most of which are held in the afternoon, you can keep the fun going for extra innings at one of these East Valley restaurants, which are popular with players and fans alike.

Don & Charlie’s: The walls of this old-fashioned Chicago steakhouse are covered with the autographed photos of the famous athletes, as well as celebrities and politicians, who have enjoyed its steaks, ribs and stiff cocktails. The extensive sports memorabilia includes more than 800 signed baseballs on display in the entryway (pictured). 7501 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, (480) 990-0900.

Pink Pony: This dimly lit Old Town Scottsdale establishment has been a spring training mainstay for 60 years, and famed baseball writer Roger Angell calls it the best baseball restaurant in America. Huge steaks are served with homemade biscuits and Pink Pony’s own steak sauce. Look for the collection of commemorative bats lined up behind the bar. 3831 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, (480) 945-6697.

Diamonds Sports Grill: Originally called Harry and Steve’s (for then-owners and Cubs broadcasters Harry Caray and Steve Stone), this Mesa sports bar has undergone several incarnations (Steve Stone’s, Sluggo’s) over the last 20 years but remains a favorite watering hole for Cubs players and fans every spring. Large murals of Cubs players grace two of the walls. 161 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, (480) 844-3888.

Pier 54: If you don’t get enough sun during the game, head for this all-patio restaurant and bar on the edge of a man-made Tempe lake. This offshoot of a family-run catering business serves up very tasty salads, burgers and sandwiches. There’s live entertainment on the weekends, when it’s usually packed with locals. 5394 S. Lakeshore Drive, Tempe, (480) 820-0660.

Half Moon Sports Grill: OK, the concept is little juvenile — this place takes it name from the numerous posters of amateur athletes (mostly young women) unintentionally baring a portion of their behinds — but the atmosphere is fun and friendly and the chicken wings, burgers and sandwiches are seriously good. 2121 E. Highland Ave., Phoenix, (602) 977-2700.