Flashback

In 1937, the Bradenton Nine Devils Took the Field for the First Time

Part of the Florida Negro League, the team is now honored with a historic marker at LECOM Park—the first step in the creation of the African American Heritage Trail.

09/02/2025 By Megan McDonald

A League of His Own

National League Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes Is One of Spring Training's Star Attractions

Skenes has a 100-mile-per-hour pitch, was named the National League's starting pitcher for the 2024 All-Star Game, and was also a finalist for the 2024 Cy Young Award.

02/21/2025 By Megan McDonald

Play Ball!

Spring Training Tickets Are on Sale Now

Grab your tickets for Orioles, Pirates and Braves games.

12/06/2024 By Staff

Play Ball!

Pirates, Orioles and Braves Announce 2025 Spring Training Schedules

Start planning your games now.

08/21/2024 By Megan McDonald

Listening to Black Voices

World Series Champ John 'T-Bone' Shelby on His Passion for Baseball and Never Giving Up

Shelby, who's now retired and lives in Sarasota, won two World Series championships with the Baltimore Orioles and the L.A. Dodgers, and coached for many years.

03/18/2024 By Heather Dunhill

SRQ to PIT

In Pittsburgh, Former Steel Town, You'll Find Great Food and a Thriving Arts Scene

The city boasts a lively arts scene, award-winning restaurants and 445 bridges that offer views of the city’s three mighty rivers.

05/23/2022 By Megan McDonald

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

Scouting Report

Eight Players to Watch This Spring Training Season

These players are going places.

03/01/2020 By Ilene Denton

The Booster

Baseball Is a Religion for Pirates Bradenton Booster Club Prez Mike Roteman

The Pirates Bradenton Booster Club is the only one in Major League Baseball that uses an all-volunteer group to serve as ushers, greeters and program hawkers.

03/01/2020 By Ilene Denton

Play Ball!

LECOM Park Has Plenty of Old-School Charm

“LECOM Park is unique in terms of the history,” says Bradenton Marauders general manager Craig Warzecha. “It really has the perfect blend of old-school baseball charm with modern amenities.”

03/01/2020 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

Sports

Baseball Team Looking to Hire

The Pittsburgh Pirates are holding two job fairs at which they will hire staff for the team's spring training season and for the season of their minor league team.

01/08/2019 By Staff

Tourism

Spring Training Generated $1.3 Million for Local Airbnb Hosts

Roughly 12,000 visitors stayed in Sarasota Airbnb rentals during this year's Baltimore Orioles spring training season.

04/04/2018 By Staff

Sports

Brewery to Offer Growlers at Baseball Stadium

Darwin Brewing Co. is launching a new partnership with LECOM Park, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Bradenton Marauders.

02/23/2017 By staff

Weekend Planner

Your Top 9 Things to Do: Feb. 23-March 1

Spring training starts, Mote premieres an exhibit with teeth, Lang Lang at the Van Wezel and more.

02/23/2017 By Ilene Denton

Sports

Bradenton Ballpark Gets New Name

The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine announced on Friday that the Pirates' Bradenton spring training and minor league ballpark will be renamed from McKechnie Field to LECOM Park.

02/13/2017 By staff

Article

Spring Training - revised

Fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates can watch the team's 2014 spring training games--featuring league MVP Andrew McCutchen--at Bradenton's McKechnie Field.

03/17/2014 By staff

Article

Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training Opens in Bradenton

Fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates can watch the team's 2014 spring training games--featuring league MVP Andrew McCutchen--at Bradenton's McKechnie Field.

03/01/2014 By Kay Kipling

Article

Exactly What To Do in Sarasota This Summer

We've scouted out some great things to eat, see and do while the snowbirds are gone and the Sarasota is ours.

06/27/2013 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Article

What To Do in Sarasota This Weekend, 2/22/2013

Sarasota events: What to do in Sarasota this weekend, 2/22/2013.

02/22/2013 By Megan McDonald