Arizona economy helped year-round by Cactus League

A recent study released by the Cactus League Baseball Association found that Arizona's economy is boosted by more than half a billion dollars because of Major League Baseball's involvement in the area. Each year, 15 MLB teams host their Spring Training in the Phoenix metro area, and an influx of money comes in. Tourists, scouts and the facilities themselves account for a $632 million boost to The Grand Canyon State's economy.

Spring Training alone accounted for a $422 million boost, with the year-round use of the facilities accounting for the extra spike in revenue. The numbers have increased 36 percent since the last study, which was done by FMR Associates of Tuscon in 2007.

The number of Spring Training attendees last season spiked to 1.7 million, with an estimated 56 percent coming from outside of Arizona. The effects are also long-term, with out-of-state attendees more likely to vacation in Arizona when baseball isn't in season. Major League Baseball's Spring Training provides exposure for a state that is known for little more than a gaping hole in the Earth.