2010 Season Opens in New Venue
The second season of Play Ball – The Cactus League Experience opens in a new and more convenient location this week with new stories and more history on display for the enjoyment of visitors young and old. On Friday, visitors to the Arizona Museum for Youth in downtown Mesa, AZ will be able to walk through the story of Major League baseball in Arizona, from the barnstorming days of teams that traveled by train to their games in the early 1900’s to the establishment of the Cactus League in the 1950’s to the issues facing the teams and host cities today.
This year’s exhibition features a new collection loaned by former Arizona Governor Rose Mofford, who, in 1988, used her position as the state’s chief executive, to rally community support needed to keep teams from leaving the desert for Florida. Mofford is expected to attend a preview event Thursday night, where she will be recognized by Mesa Mayor Scott Smith for her contributions to the Cactus League.
New technology also is a feature of this year’s exhibition, that allows visitors to use their cell phones to take a guided audio tour of the show. Also new is a kids’ area where they can try on a vintage base ball uniform and create their own baseball artwork.
Die-hard history buffs will find hundreds of new items that have been added to the collection since last season, as baseball fans of all ages continue to loan or donate items from the Cactus League’s past to the project.
Play Ball- The Cactus League Experience opens Friday, February 26 and runs through Sunday, November 7 at the Arizona Museum for Youth, 35 N. Robson in downtown Mesa.
