That means early signs of economic recovery, like the way plants begin to shoot up from the ground as a sign of spring.

VOA: special.2009.05.08

Arriving early to spring training is as much about perception as it is about a few extra grounders and swings in the batting cage.

WSJ: On Time? You're Late

The idea was launched in a UK government tourism strategy, which promised to consult the Welsh assembly on whether it should have the power to move the spring bank holiday from early May to March 1.

BBC: Whatever happened to the St David's Day bank holiday?

Hafner tried to make changes early in spring, and then jettisoned them in favor of a stripped-down approach.

WSJ: Don't Blame the Yankees' Replacements