Did I Spell That Right?

While much of the United States is still knee-deep in snow, Arizona is experiencing what we like to call Spring Training. Baseball players trade in the cold and snow and head to AZ to begin practice for the upcoming season.

Spring training is a big deal around here. Even though the state now has its own pro baseball team—the Diamondbacks—we still head out to the numerous ballparks to watch these guys warm up. Plus, the event draws baseballs fans from other states looking to warm up, too, literally.

So it's no surprise to see numerous billboards and signs welcoming these annual visitors. I came across one on my way into work this morning. The giant LED board flashed, "Welcome Catus League." This is disturbing on many levels, obviously. Being that we're in Arizona, misspelling the word "cactus" is just silly. Plus, if you're going to welcome a group, please do it correctly.

Yes, I'm an editor and so I'm hyper-sensitive about spelling and grammar. BUT I doubt I'm the only one who noticed the misspelled word. While I doubt it will turn anyone away from the business—in this case a small amusement park with miniature golf—it just looks bad.

If you have an LED sign or one where you can change the letters, I beg you to always, always check your spelling and grammar. Then have someone else check it. How can you claim to be the best place for customers to store their beloved belongings if you can't spell "secure" or, even worse, the facility's name? Remember, capital letters and commas count, too.

Here are a couple of sites I have bookmarked for when I'm in doubt:

And just for fun, check out this article with pictures of funny misspelled signs.