Scottsdale businessman Jeff Meyer, long active in sports and tourism circles, has been elected President of the Cactus League Baseball Association.
Meyer’s two-year volunteer term ends June 30, 2018. He has served on the Cactus League’s board for 17 years as a representative of the Scottsdale Charros.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Cactus League,” said Meyer, who is President of Desert Care Landscape Resources in Phoenix. “I believe the biggest challenge facing the Cactus League is future funding of facilities, and I will work with municipalities, teams and other stakeholders to ensure the integrity of the league. The Cactus League is a critical driver in Arizona’s economy, and its tremendous impact is felt statewide.”
The Cactus League also announced the following Executive Board appointments to steer League policy through the 2018 spring training season:
- Vice President of Government Affairs: Michael Bailey, City of Glendale
- Vice President of Marketing and Promotions: Blake Englert, City of Peoria
- Vice President of Communications: Bill Pupo, Surprise Sundancers
- Vice President of Business Affairs: Chris Calcaterra, City of Peoria
- Vice President Associate Membership: Ryan Lantz, Cleveland Indians *
- Past President: Mark Coronado, City of Surprise
* Term begins June 30, 2017
Studies by Tucson-based FMR Associates last year estimated that spring training ballparks generate more than $809 million annually – $544 million from out-of-state visitors attending spring training games and $265 million from year-round events at the facilities.
The Cactus League set an attendance record in 2016, with the 15 clubs combining to draw nearly 1.9 million spectators, a fraction more than the previous record set a year earlier. The Cactus League averaged 8,236 fans per game.
“Jeff Meyer is the ideal choice to lead the Cactus League at a pivotal time,” said Tom Sadler, AZSTA President and CEO. “His experience and relationships will strengthen the Cactus League and he will work with its stakeholders to promote the vitality of the spring training industry.”
Along with his tenure with the Charros, Meyer has spent the last five years on the volunteer board of the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority (AZSTA), serving as chair in 2014. By state law, AZSTA funds Cactus League ballpark construction and renovations.
The Cactus League Baseball Association’s members include cities that host spring training teams; affiliated non-profit booster organizations; and Major League Baseball clubs.
