Cactus League exhibit is a home run at Mesa Historical Museum

February 4, 2022

Contacts:

Susan Ricci, Executive Director, Mesa Historical Museum, exec@mesamuseum.org 480-835-2286
Mike Phillips, Arizona Baseball Legacy and Experience, mikphil57@aol.com, 480-220-4008

Cactus League exhibit is a home run at Mesa Historical Museum
One of the largest baseball exhibits in Arizona history opens later this month in Mesa, highlighting some of the greatest players and stories from the Cactus League.
Focused on the people and events that have made the Cactus League one of America’s most popular sports destinations, the exhibit debuts Feb. 26 at the Mesa Historical Museum, 2345 N. Horne Road.
A free reception begins at 9 a.m. featuring Cactus League Hall of Fame inductees, storytellers, and complimentary snacks and soft drinks.
The exhibit, Play Ball: The Arizona Spring Training Experience and Cactus League Hall of Fame is a joint undertaking between the Mesa Historical Museum, the Cactus League organization and the nonprofit group Arizona Baseball Legacy and Experience. The combined collections on display go beyond baseball to explore the culture, impact, and importance of the Cactus League to Arizona.
“We’re thrilled to host what is sure to be a must-see stop for baseball fans of all ages,” said Susan Ricci, director of the Mesa Historical Museum. “Our exhibit not only features memorabilia, it also tells the fascinating stories of the individuals who shaped the Cactus League and Major League Baseball.”
The exhibit highlights such Cactus League Hall of Fame members as Willie Mays and Ernie Banks. It also tells the lesser-known stories of individuals like Yosh Kawano, who as a child stowed away on a boat in 1935 to attend Cubs training games on Catalina Island. His daring adventure launched a seven-decade career as an equipment manager for Major League clubs.
“The Cactus League is rich in history, fascinating characters and compelling narratives,” said Mike Phillips, board president of the Arizona Baseball Experience and Legacy. “We’re partnering with the Mesa Museum and the Cactus League to celebrate that heritage and help bring those stories to life.”
The Mesa exhibit also shines a spotlight on the unique Cactus League fan experience – from kids discovering they live next door to All-Star players during spring training to epic baseball pilgrimages and the eclectic items collected at games.
Baseball is a sport, but it is also woven into the economy, history, and culture of Arizona communities. The exhibit at the Mesa Historical Museum celebrates those connections in unique and unforgettable ways.
The exhibit will be open to the public through January, 2023. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for youth 6-17. Museum members and children 5 and under are free.