A presentation by author and Cactus League Historian Charlie Vascellaro in conjunction with “Play Ball” Exhibit at Mesa Historical Museum
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Mesa Historical Museum
2345 N. Horne, Mesa AZ
(Mesa, AZ) – “Life During Wartime” is a multi-media presentation on the foundation of
the Japanese American incarceration camp baseball leagues in Arizona during World
War II. The presenter is long-time Cactus League historian and writer Charlie
Vascellaro. In conjunction with the Play Ball: The Arizona Spring Training Experience
and Cactus League Hall of Fame exhibit at the Mesa Historical Museum (2345 N.
Horne, Mesa AZ, 480-835-2286.)
This presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, March 1, 2022, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
America’s Pastime Helped Interned Japanese-Americans Pass the Time
The educational program will include a screening of the 35-minute documentary film,
“Diamonds in the Rough,” the story of Kenichi Zenimura, “The Father of Japanese American Baseball” and the architect of the Japanese internment camp ballparks and
baseball leagues produced and directed by Kerry Yo Nakagawa, founding director of
the non-profit Nisei Baseball Research Project (NBRP) who’s mission is to preserve the
history of Japanese American Baseball. Learn more at: http://www.niseibaseball.com.
Created by the Arizona Spring Training Experience and the Mesa Historical Museum,
the Cactus League Hall of Fame “honors those who played a key role in the growth and
development of Major League spring training baseball in Arizona as well as a select
group of players who helped to solidify the league’s reputation as a premier showcase
of Major League baseball talent and contribute to the league’s legend and culture.”
Learn more at: https://www.mesahistoricalmuseum.com/events
