Cactus League historical effort is one for the books

Mike Sakal

Mike Sakal’s column runs on Fridays. Contact him at (480) 898-6533 or msakal@evtrib.com, or write to Mike Sakal, East Valley Tribune, 1620 W. Fountainhead Pkwy., Suite 219, Tempe, AZ 85282

Mesa Historical Museum

"Dizzy Dean" and Charlie Grimm

Pitching great "Dizzy Dean" and Cubs manager Charlie Grimm at Mesa's Rendezvous Park in the early 1950s.

Mike Sakal, Tribune

Susie Steckner

Susie Steckner sifts through old photos at the Mesa Historical Museum for a Cactus League book project.

Mesa Historical Museum

Willie Mays

Baseball great Willie Mays gets a massage at the Buckhorn mineral baths in east Mesa in the 1950s.

Mike Sakal, Tribune

Susie Steckner

Susie Steckner looks at the large New York Giants banner that her father had tucked away in a closet before she donated it to the Mesa Historical Museum's Play Ball exhibit.

Mesa Historical Museum

Ted Sliger and Willie Mays

Ted Sliger, owner of the Buckhorn Baths, and Willie Mays standing in front of the east Mesa landmark.