Dear Friends,

Each year, I look forward to spring in Arizona.  Not only are we blessed enough to enjoy good weather, we are the spring training home to 12 Major League Baseball teams.  Like many Arizonans, I look forward to attending ballgames on sunny March afternoons; not only is it a great way to spend the day and relax, it is a relatively inexpensive, family-friendly activity that is also a huge economic boon to our state.  In 2005, over 1.2 million people attended Cactus League games.  Conservative estimates are that the Cactus League pumps $250 million into Arizona's economy. 

Each year, the twelve teams that comprise the Cactus League come to Arizona to prepare for the upcoming season.  People from all over the country travel to nine distinctly unique stadiums to see their favorite teams and enjoy what Arizona has to offer. 

Because of all that baseball does for Arizona (including our own home team, the 2001 World Champion Arizona Diamondbacks), I re-established the Arizona Baseball and Softball Commission in 2005.  The Commission focuses on the Cactus League, Major League Baseball, and amateur and international baseball and softball events.  Members who serve are representatives from the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority, Cactus League booster groups, and the community.  The Commission has been a great success and will continue to provide recommendations on how to make Cactus League and all other baseball and softball events even better for Arizonans and tourists alike.         

The 2005 World Champion Chicago White Sox, who spend the spring in Tucson, have a long history of training here.  The club came to the Capitol this week so I could proclaim March 13, 2006 World Series Champion White Sox Day.  The Sox brought their World Series trophy with them.  I wish all the Cactus League teams the best of luck in the upcoming season; I hope next year's world champions come from Arizona too. 

I encourage you to take the opportunity to enjoy our beautiful spring days and spend some time at the ballpark (or anywhere outdoors) this month.