Arizona tribe pitches Cubs for spring training

Oct 9, 2009 - 6:41 PM MESA, Ariz.(AP) -- An Indian tribe in Arizona is making a pitch to the Chicago Cubs to move their spring training site.

Members of the Gila River Indian tribe recently traveled to Chicago to speak with Cubs management about moving the training to the Indian nation south of Phoenix.

The team, which currently holds spring training in Mesa, has said its in the market for a new spring training facility.

The East Valley Tribune also reported that Mesa has attempted to discourage other Phoenix-area cities from trying to lure the Cubs. Mesa is also dueling with cities in Florida.

A study commissioned by Mesa showed the state would lose $52 million a year if the Cubs left Mesa.