Tucson, a city with a rich baseball history, now stands at a crossroads as it awaits the next chapter in its baseball narrative. The Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, once a bustling venue for major and minor league games, now lies vacant. But hope remains as efforts are made to bring baseball back to the city. (Photo by Ethan Desjardine/Cronkite News)

Tucson's Baseball Legacy: A Quest for a New Beginning

Baseball's Historical Significance in Tucson

Just 15 minutes south of downtown Tucson lies the Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, an 11,000-seat venue built in 1998 and kept in pristine condition. On March 8, 1946, Tucson hosted the first MLB spring training game in Arizona at Hi Corbett Field. Over the decades, Tucson was a home to teams like the Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies, and Arizona Diamondbacks. However, by 2013, all MLB spring training teams and the last affiliated minor league team had left. Today, the complex hosts various events, but the absence of MLB is felt.The decline in professional baseball since 2013 has had a significant impact on Tucson. Local baseball fans feel disconnected from the game they love. Shelley Duncan, a former University of Arizona baseball star, grew up in Tucson and has seen firsthand how the loss has affected the city. Between 2011 and 2013, hotel revenue in March dropped from $49 million to $34.8 million after the departure of teams.

Local Heroes and Their Efforts

Few people are as connected to the community as Shelley Duncan. He played at Canyon del Oro High School and set school records. He hosted the Tucson Youth Baseball Experience to promote the sport among the youth. The event brought big-name players to Tucson and educated young players.George Arias, also from Tucson and with a professional career in Japan, founded the Tucson Champs Youth Baseball Academy. He understands the importance of a strong local baseball community.Jerry Stitt, who coached at the University of Arizona, reminisces on the effects of losing professional baseball on the local community.

The Kino Sports Complex: Controversial Legacy

Most people point a finger at the Kino Sports Complex for not keeping baseball alive. The location was not ideal, with the area underdeveloped and not much to do around the facility. Attendance at Kino during spring training was below expectations. FC Tucson, founded in 2011, did not draw as much interest as baseball did.Recent developments have brought some hope. New restaurants and hotels have appeared around the Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium. Work on the Mosiac Quarter is underway, and an underpass is being constructed to connect the original complex to the new construction.

Challenges and Opportunities for Baseball's Return

Bringing professional baseball back to Tucson requires significant financial challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic limited the number of minor league teams available. Soto acknowledges the need to be careful not to burden local taxpayers.However, the return of minor league ball is very much in play. If MLB decides to expand to two more teams, Tucson could go after one of their Triple-A teams. Eager wants the league to remember Tucson's stadium and fanbase.

The Cultural Significance of Baseball in Tucson

Baseball's return to Tucson would be more than an economic boost. It would be a cultural resurgence. Eager and others believe Tucson is ready to support a professional team. They stress the importance of avoiding previous mistakes and ensuring the team's success.With the efforts of local heroes and the growing enthusiasm, Tucson remains tied to baseball and eager for a new chapter in its baseball story. "We have a rabid fanbase that would go to games and show the ability to sustain the presence of a professional team if given so," Eager reminisced. "We are a professional baseball town."