Hot Springs, Arkansas – A new mural celebrating baseball’s storied past and bright future is set to grace the side of the Champions College Community Center overlooking Majestic Park in Hot Springs. Scheduled to begin Monday, June 9, the artwork will feature a young player gazing toward three of the game’s most iconic figures—Babe Ruth, Henry “Hank” Aaron, and Shohei Ohtani. Once finished, the 60-foot-wide mural will vividly embody Majestic Park’s slogan: “Where Baseball’s Future Meets Baseball’s Past.”
Majestic Park General Manager Derek Phillips explained why these three legends were chosen. Babe Ruth, who is often hailed as one of the greatest players of all time, honed his skills at Majestic Park in the early 1900s. Not only did he catch baseball fever here, but he also helped put Hot Springs on the map as a spring training destination. “It celebrates our baseball history showing Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth along with current baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani, who played high school baseball in Hanamaki, Japan, Hot Springs’ Sister City,” Phillips said.
Hank Aaron’s inclusion honors his remarkable achievement of surpassing Ruth’s career home run record, a milestone that redefined the sport forever. Aaron’s journey from playing in the Negro Leagues to becoming a household name in Major League Baseball is a story of perseverance and historic significance. By placing him alongside Ruth, the mural will bridge two eras—one that began in the early 20th century and another that inspired countless African-American athletes to pursue their dreams on and off the field.
Shohei Ohtani, the current face of baseball’s international rise, brings the mural into the modern era. As a two-way sensation—both a dominant pitcher and a powerful hitter—he has captivated fans worldwide. Ohtani’s accolades include four All-Star selections, a 2024 World Series championship, and three Most Valuable Player awards. His connection to Hanamaki, Japan—Hot Springs’ sister city—adds a meaningful layer, symbolizing baseball’s global reach and the unique cultural ties between the two communities.
Visit Hot Springs officials noted that the same artists responsible for the downtown baseball mural at Broadway and Convention Boulevard will design this new piece. Their previous work has become a beloved landmark, drawing both locals and visitors to admire its dynamic depiction of players in mid-action. Expectations are high that the Majestic Park mural will similarly become a gathering point for fans and families, linking Hot Springs’ rich baseball heritage with the promise of future stars.
When completed, the mural will serve as an open-air classroom, reminding passersby of the legends who once played on these fields and inspiring the next generation of ballplayers to dream big. As the young player in the mural looks toward Ruth, Aaron, and Ohtani, viewers will see themselves reflected in that hopeful gaze—proof that the spirit of baseball endures, uniting past, present, and future at Majestic Park.
