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Hot Springs: The Birthplace of Spring Baseball Historic Marker

Discover where baseball's spring training began in Hot Springs, Arkansas, a city steeped in history and natural beauty.

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Commemorating Hot Springs, Arkansas as the original home of baseball spring training, this marker highlights the city's unique role in shaping America's pastime. From the late 1800s, teams flocked here to prepare for the season, drawn by the therapeutic hot springs and mild climate.

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 Hot Springs Baseball Trail map at the Visitor Center to explore other historic baseball sites.
  • Bring comfortable shoes for walking the Baseball Trail and exploring downtown Hot Springs.
  • Check the Hot Springs Trolley schedule for an easy way to get around to the different baseball sites.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Hot Springs Visitor Center at 629 Central Ave, head southeast on Central Avenue. Turn left onto Whittington Avenue. Continue for about 1 mile. The marker will be on your right at 847 Whittington Ave. There is street parking available nearby.

  • Public Transport

    From the Hot Springs Transit station, take the local bus service towards Whittington Avenue. Disembark at the nearest stop to Whittington Avenue, and walk about 0.3 miles to reach the marker at 847 Whittington Ave. Check the schedule ahead of time for bus times and potential costs. A single ride fare is $1.25.

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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 pivotal role in the history of professional baseball. In 1886, the Chicago White Stockings, led by Albert Spalding and Cap Anson, first came to Hot Springs for spring training, seeking a warmer climate and the reputed benefits of the thermal waters. This innovative idea soon caught on, and Hot Springs became a popular destination for major league teams. For over half a century, legends like Babe Ruth, Cy Young, Jackie Robinson, and Honus Wagner trained in Hot Springs, taking advantage of the city's five baseball fields and therapeutic mineral baths. It's estimated that roughly half of the Hall of Famers spent time in Hot Springs. The marker is part of the Hot Springs Baseball Trail, a self-guided tour of historic baseball sites throughout the city. Located on Whittington Avenue, near the former Whittington Park, the marker invites visitors to step back in time and imagine the early days of baseball. While visiting the marker, take the time to explore the rest of Hot Springs, including the Hot Springs National Park and Bathhouse Row.

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