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Hot Springs: The Birthplace of Spring Baseball Historic Marker

Discover where baseball legends trained and America's favorite pastime took root in historic Hot Springs, Arkansas.

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Commemorating Hot Springs, Arkansas, as the original home of baseball spring training, this marker highlights the city's pivotal role in shaping America's favorite pastime. Here, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, legendary players honed their skills amidst the therapeutic hot springs and scenic landscapes.

A brief summary to Hot Springs: The Birthplace of Spring Baseball Historic Marker

  • 847 Whittington Ave, Hot Springs, Arkansas, 71901, US

Local tips

  • Pick up a map at the Hot Springs Visitor Center to explore the Hot Springs Baseball Trail and discover more baseball history.
  • Bring comfortable shoes for walking the trails and exploring the historic sites.
  • Check out the baseball mural at Convention Boulevard and Broadway, featuring playing cards of baseball legends.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are near downtown Hot Springs, head towards Whittington Avenue. Follow the signs towards 847 Whittington Ave, which may involve navigating through the park trails. It is about a 20-minute walk from the main attractions in downtown Hot Springs.

  • Car

    From the center of Hot Springs National Park, head southeast on Central Avenue (US-70) and continue for about 0.5 miles. Turn left onto Whittington Avenue. Continue on Whittington Avenue for approximately 1 mile. The Hot Springs: The Birthplace of Spring Baseball Historic Marker will be on your right at 847 Whittington Ave. Street parking is available nearby.

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Discover more about Hot Springs: The Birthplace of Spring Baseball Historic Marker

The Hot Springs: The Birthplace of Spring Baseball Historic Marker celebrates the city's unique contribution to baseball history. In the late 1800s, Hot Springs became the unlikely origin of spring training when the Chicago White Stockings (now the Chicago Cubs) sought out the area's natural hot springs for their healing properties. The warm mineral waters, combined with the rugged terrain, offered an ideal environment for players to recover and train. Soon, other teams followed, and Hot Springs became the premier destination for pre-season conditioning. Icons like Babe Ruth, Cy Young, Jackie Robinson, and Honus Wagner frequented the city, solidifying its place in baseball lore. The marker stands as a testament to this golden era, inviting visitors to step back in time and imagine the legends who once graced these grounds. Today, the marker is a stop along the Hot Springs Baseball Trail, a self-guided tour that connects over 30 historical sites related to the sport. As you stand near the marker, you can almost hear the echoes of bats and the cheers of fans from a bygone era. It's a reminder of Hot Springs' vibrant past and its enduring legacy as the birthplace of spring baseball.

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