by Haley Smilow | photography by Angelina Aragon
Among other things, America’s pastime is known for manicured outfield grass, crisply turned double plays, copious outdoor beverage consumption and, maybe most importantly for sports ephemera nuts, cool merchandise and collectibles. Over its 78 years, Arizona’s Cactus League (cactusleague.com) has produced a dizzying array of pieces for fans to get their hands on. Here are some of our favorites from over the years.
2024 Salt River Fields “Two Tribes, Two Teams” Beer Koozie
Salt River Fields, the spring training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies, celebrated unity with fresh merchandise and logos that honored the two tribes of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. “It’s a great brand that captures the culture of the tribal communities,” Binsbacher says.
75th Anniversary Coin Collection
Created for the Cactus League’s 75th anniversary in 2022, this collector’s dream coin set is a home run, featuring 11 unique coins – each commemorating a stadium, plus one honoring the league itself. It’s a (literally) shining tribute to the league’s history and present.
Commemorative 50/50 Dodgers Shohei Ohtani Baseball
To honor National League MVP Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers are dropping a must-have collector’s item this spring: a Dodger blue 50/50 ball. This exclusive “spring only” ball celebrates the Dodgers’ World Series victory and Ohtani’s jaw-dropping season as the only MLB player to hit 50 homers and steal 50 bases.
1994 Inaugural Padres Peoria Stadium T-Shirt
Merchandise trends come and go, but vintage style is forever. This T-shirt, showcasing the spring training home of the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners, is a throwback gem. “This was the T-shirt of the day,” says Bridget Binsbacher, executive director of the Cactus League Baseball Association.
State 48 Cactus League Tank Top
The Arizona Cactus League and local lifestyle brand State 48 teamed up on a new line of must-have merch for 2025, including this stylish tank for women. “It’s a great fit, and it’s the first time we’ve done anything like this,” Binsbacher says.
