Cactus League start means it’s time for Diablos to say ‘play ball’

- Advertisement -

A year ago, as the Tempe Diablos prepared for the 2009 Cactus League season, the organization was prepared for the worst. As the economic recession deepened, experts predicted that Cactus League revenue would fall by as much as 10 percent.

“We were preparing for a pretty big decrease,’’ said Scott Liem, a Diablo since 1981. “But it never happened. In fact, we were pleasantly surprised. It turned out our revenues were pretty much what they had been before.’’

Last year’s experience only confirmed what Liem had known all along.

“I guess it just served to show what a strong commitment the community has to spring training,’’ said Liem, who will complete his one-year term as Diablos president in May.

It is for that reason that Liem looks forward to the opening of the 2010 Cactus League with great optimism.

“We are really excited about this year,’’ said Liem. “One of the things that we’re most excited about this year is our opening-day event. We’ve moved back the starting time from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and we’re planning to have a big celebration to commemorate the opening of the season.’’

Unlike the other Cactus League games at Diablo Stadium, where proceeds are split between the Los Angeles Angels and the Diablos, all of the revenue will go to the Diablos.

To maximize the benefits, the Diablos are pulling out all the stops to give the game an Opening-Day feel.

“We’re inviting lots of the Little League teams and we’ll be making our presentation to the Boys & Girls Club before the first pitch,’’ Liem said. “The mayor and city council will be there. We’re doing everything we can think of to make this a community celebration.’’

Each year, the Diablos contribute $600,000 to $700,000 to the community, most in the form of educational programs.

“We provide funding for everything from pre-school to college scholarships and everything in between,’’ says Liem. “In all, we fund about 10 to 12 different programs.’’

More than two-thirds of that revenue comes from Cactus League, where Diablos run the concessions, gift shop and parking.

For the 55-year-old Liem, spring training has been part of his life for almost as long as he can remember.

His father, Don, was one of a handful of Tempe businessmen who organized the Diablos in 1968.

“Spring training has always been a big thing in my life,’’ says Liem, a lifelong Tempe resident.

“I can’t imagine not being part of it.’’

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Advertisment

Latest e-Edition

Advertisment
Advertisment

Follow Us

2,648FansLike
953FollowersFollow

Weekly Email Newsletter

Latest

Join Our Family...

Wrangler Newsletter

One email

Once a week

Unsubscribe anytime

Welcome to The Wrangler Community!