Play Ball!

Pittsburgh Pirates Fan Favorite Andrew McCutchen Is Back in the Black and Gold

McCutchen, who returns to the Pirates after several years away, is training with the team at LECOM Park in Bradenton.

02/24/2023 By Megan McDonald

Flashback

Payne Park Was The First Site for Spring Training in Sarasota, 1924-1990

New York Giants' manager John J. "Mugsy" McGraw was the first to bring a team for spring training here.

02/24/2023 By Bethany Ritz

Flashback

Sarasota Was Home to Baseball Legend Buck O'Neil (1911-2006)

In honor of Black History Month and the upcoming spring training season, we're remembering one of the most beloved players in baseball.

02/17/2023 By Bethany Ritz

Play Ball!

Longtime Sarasota Resident Hoyt Wilhelm Threw the Most Mystifying Pitch in Baseball

The unassuming Wilhelm was known for the unusual pitch.

12/06/2022 By Clayton Trutor

Tourney Time

Women’s Pro Baseball Is Coming to Sarasota's Ed Smith Stadium Nov. 19-22

Ballplayers? We’ve got ballplayers.

11/07/2022 By Hannah Wallace

Play Ball!

Orioles Announce 2023 Spring Training Schedule

Spring training kicks off Feb. 25, 2023, at Ed Smith Stadium against the Minnesota Twins.

09/07/2022 By Megan McDonald

Sports

Orioles to Host Mayors Feed the Hungry Food Drive Today

The organization will collect donations for local families in need at the Orioles-Rays game at 1:05 p.m.

03/29/2022 By Staff

Empty seats

Spring Training Is Postponed—Again

As of today, spring training could begin on Saturday, March 12, at the earliest.

03/03/2022 By Samantha Lane

Don't Play Ball

Will Spring Training Happen This Year?

The start of spring training has been postponed because of the ongoing Major League Baseball lockout, and a deadline to reach a deal is looming.

02/25/2022 By Samantha Lane

Unity Awards

Former MLB Star Ian Desmond and Biz Pro Vince Northfield Help Underserved Youth

Their nonprofit uses the sport to teach healthy living, leadership and inclusion.

01/04/2022 By Susan Burns

History

Flashback: Boston Red Sox Spring Training at Payne Park, 1940

Major League baseball spring training has a long history in our area.

03/09/2021 By Kay Kipling

Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota: Feb. 25-March 3

Baseball is here! Plus, a world golf championship, a daredevil rally, digital ballet performances and more.

02/25/2021 By Kay Kipling

Man of the Hour

Exhibit Honoring Baseball Legend Buck O'Neil Opens This Week

O'Neil, who grew up in Sarasota, was a star of the Ken Burns documentary "Baseball."

02/18/2021 By Kay Kipling

Baseball

Major League Baseball Suspends Spring Training, Delays Season Opening

The Baltimore Orioles, Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves voiced their support of the league's decision.

03/12/2020 By Megan McDonald

Things to Do

A Rum Tour, an Atlanta Braves Celebration and More of This Week’s Best Food and Drink Events

Also on the menu: two top local farmers' markets.

02/05/2020 By Rachel Suwak

Baseball

Orioles Add Spring Training Home Game

The 2020 season will mark the Orioles’ 11th consecutive Spring Training season in Sarasota and the club’s 10th at renovated Ed Smith Stadium.

11/17/2019 By Staff

Falling in glove

Baseball Is Just One of the Reasons to Hit Up a Game at LECOM Park This Summer

The Bradenton Marauders are hosting a number of special events during their summer season. We picked four of the best.

06/17/2019 By Olivia Letts

Sports

International Youth Baseball Tournament Coming to Sarasota, Bradenton

The 30th edition of the U-18 Baseball World Cup will take place in Sarasota and Bradenton in September 2021.

03/05/2019 By Staff

Home of the Braves

The Atlanta Braves' New Spring Training Facility Opens March 24

The Braves, who have relocated from their 20-year home at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, will play their final spring training game of 2019 at Cool Today Park against the Tampa Bay Rays.

02/27/2019 By Ilene Denton

Fast Track

Craig Warzecha Named New GM of Bradenton Marauders

Warzecha joined the Pirates in 2015 and became the assistant general manager of the Marauders in 2017.

02/07/2019 By Staff