The St. Louis Browns had just completed their rebrand and the move to become the Baltimore Orioles in 1954. They were ready to forge their new identity, but reminiscent of old comedies, there was a catch.
Bill Veeck, Cactus League legend, had signed a deal prior to the sale of the St. Louis Browns to hold spring training in Yuma. That contract remained binding and the now Baltimore Orioles traveled to the small town.
We have the benefit of retrospection, but it would not go well. For the players at least. The residents of Yuma did their best to make the team feel welcome and the small population came out in droves to the 4 games played in town.
As we enter 2026, Yuma is considered a small town and if you remove the modern amenities, a 1954 Yuma could be considered a micro-town. Add in that the next nearest team for spring training would have been the New York Giants in Phoenix and the other option being the Cleveland Indians in Tucson. Players would have nothing to do in Yuma, then nothing to do on the hours long ride to the other matchups.
Needless to say, the Baltimore Orioles sought other options for Spring Training.
The Arizona-Mexico league would have the Yuma Sun Sox take residence from 1955 to 1958.
Yuma Municipal Stadium would then be a venue for local high school and collegiate teams until it’s eventual demolition ushered in by the construction of the Desert Sun Stadium in 1970 for the San Diego Padres.
Spring Training would return to Yuma, but not the Baltimore Orioles.
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