Sun City Developer Del Webb with his New York Yankees
The New York Yankees only spent one spring training season in the Cactus League, but many fans here still remember their visit to Phoenix Municipal Stadium in 1951. They came here at the behest of their owner, Sun City developer Del Webb, as a way to showcase the area to his friends from the East Coast.
In this photo from 1940, Del Webb is seen laying down a bunt on the field in Florida. Joe DiMaggio is nearby keeping a close eye on his boss’ technique.
The 1951 season that began for the Bronx Bombers in Phoenix was the last for DiMaggio and the first for a kid named Mickey Mantle!
You can see the rare souvenir program from the Yankees short season in the desert in the Play Ball exhibition at the Arizona Historical Society in Tempe.
