Craig Counsell looks on during a Chicago Cubs spring training session in Arizona, where he has spent decades shaping his career in baseball. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
MESA – Few figures in baseball have been as deeply shaped by the Cactus League as Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell.
From his days as a major league infielder to his rise as a well-respected manager, spring training in Arizona has been more than just a preseason tune-up; it’s been a cornerstone of his career.
Counsell’s connection to the Cactus League runs deep, influencing his approach to the game and his relationships with players. He also experienced a couple of spring training stints in Florida’s Grapefruit League during his time with the Florida Marlins.
“The Cactus League is just the better league,” Counsell said. “I think you got a lot of votes for that. We have 15 teams or so within an hour of each other, which is great for the baseball community. It’s great for the fans, it’s great for tourism and you can legit get to see 10 different ballparks in five days.”
Counsell’s connection to Arizona baseball dates back decades to when he made his debut with the Colorado Rockies in 1995. He spent 12 consecutive springs in the Cactus League teams, first with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he played an important role in their historic 2001 World Series run, then with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Counsell’s postseason performance was pivotal for the Diamondbacks; he was named the Most Valuable Player of the National League Championship Series, batting .381 with four RBIs in five games. In the World Series, he contributed a solo home run in the first inning of Game 1 and was hit by a pitch to load the bases just before Luis Gonzalez delivered the series-winning hit.
Spring training in Arizona was more than simply a place to prepare for the season; it was also where he built long-lasting bonds with teammates, coaches and the sport.
Among those who saw Counsell’s impact directly was Gonzalez, his teammate during the Diamondbacks’ championship run. Gonzalez, a senior advisor to Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall, had nothing but admiration for Counsell’s leadership and passion for the game.
“He’s awesome, he was one of my favorite teammates to play with,” Gonzalez said. “You knew him as a player that he was going to end up as a manager. Just the way he carried himself, the way he played and studied the game … I’m so happy and proud to call him my friend and what he does as a manager is why he’s one of the top paid in the game today.
Former Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Craig Counsell, the current Chicago Cubs manager, takes the field during a spring game at Tucson Electric Park in Tucson in March 2002. (Photo by Todd Warshaw/Getty Images)
“He knows how to relate to the players – and that means a lot when you’re a manager. He definitely understands the fundamentals of the Cactus League, and I know he’s having a lot of fun being in Arizona. This is basically his home to him.”
Counsell’s shift from player to manager further enhanced his relationship with the Cactus League.
When he took over as manager of the Brewers in 2015, he brought his detail-oriented mindset and player-first approach to the team’s spring training practices in Arizona. He also eventually brought along his college coach at Notre Dame, Pat Murphy, who replaced him as manager of the Brewers when the Cubs made Counsell the highest-paid manager in baseball history.
Under Counsell’s guidance for eight seasons, the Brewers became a consistent playoff team, and Counsell used spring training not only for conditioning but also to foster a culture of accountability and trust.
He continues to value the Valley’s baseball environment and the Cactus League.
Despite finishing with a respectable 83-79 record in Counsell’s first season in 2024, the Cubs missed out on a playoff spot. Determined to come back, they have made significant roster changes to reestablish their competitive edge in the National League.
Chicago added star outfielder Kyle Tucker to its lineup, giving the Cub a tremendous presence on offense. Meanwhile, veteran relievers Ryan Pressly and Ryan Brasier joined the bullpen, providing much-needed reinforcements.
Shota Imanaga, an All-Star for the Cubs during Counsell’s first year, acknowledges his growth under his manager’s leadership. He said Counsell’s guidance improved his skills last season, and he intends to continue seeking help from him this season – which started with a pair of Chicago losses to the Los Angeles Dodgers in MLB’s Tokyo Series at the Tokyo Dome.
“I joined the Cubs the same year Counsell joined in 2024, and I always wondered what type of manager he is,” Imanaga said. “Watching him with Milwaukee and the success he had, I was excited to work with him, and it all went extremely well.
“Spring training has been great to me. I feel good and have been recovering well after the Tokyo Series. I know Craig has a good history here in Arizona, which makes it more exciting to get to Opening Day and play the Arizona Diamondbacks.”
For Counsell, the Cactus League isn’t just a stop on the baseball calendar, it’s part of his identity. The fields of Arizona have been home to his growth as a player, his evolution as a leader and his journey as one of baseball’s most respected managers.
Whether mentoring young talent or strategizing for the season ahead, Counsell’s impact in the Cactus League is undeniable. His presence in Arizona remains a testament to the league’s influence on shaping baseball’s great minds as he prepares for the 2025 season, where the Cubs will open a four-game series against the Diamondbacks Thursday.
“The Cactus League and spring training in Arizona is one of the best things sports has going,” Counsell said. “I think it’s a great sports trip, and I’ve been lucky to be a part of it for the 27 or 30 years I’ve been in baseball.”