CACTUS LEAGUE MISSION
A DAY IMMERSED IN ARIZONA SPRING TRAINING
Photojournalist on assignment for the Phoenix New Times 2018 cover story ‘How To See All 15 Cactus League Teams in One Long Weekend.’
Arizona and baseball share a long and symbiotic relationship. Since the mid-1900s, around half of big leagues have warmed up for their season in the desert. Decades later, it’s a vital part of the Phoenix tourism industry as Maricopa County has grown exponentially. Phoenix New Times lead editor Stuart Warner decided to go on a mission to see all 15 teams in all 10 stadiums in one weekend. I tagged along for the second day of his trip and here’s what I saw.
First stop: pregame in Scottsdale at Salt River Fields, the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies.
Early bird concession moves before crowds surge.
Jeremy Hazelbaker taking one in the back as he fights to make the Opening Day roster.
Next up: down the 101 to Mesa and Sloan Park, the home of the Chicago Cubs.
Signature hunting before the start of the game.
A father and daughter pass time and watch the mascot hit wiffle balls to spectators.
The Cubs sport ball caps honoring those who lost their lives during the Stoneman-Douglas high school mass shooting.
Pre-game festivities led by interns.
From Mesa to under The Buttes at Tempe Diablo Stadium, the long time home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
A spring time job for a local resident.
A worker sells beer to fans prior to the 7th inning last call.
No better feeling than tracking down the foul ball souvenir.
Post-game interview with Angels Manager Mike Soscia as he reminisces on the debut of Japanese star Shohei Ohtani.