Barbanegras to Debut Saturday

As a team participating in MiLB’s Copa initiative, the Bradenton Marauders will play as the Bradenton Barbanegras for four games this season, starting Saturday night against the Tampa Tarpons.  Bradenton’s proximity to the Floridian Gulf Coast makes the region ripe with centuries-old stories of conquistadors and other seafaring explorers.  To better connect the region’s maritime history to its robust, large Hispanic community, the Babanegras (“Black Beards”) moniker came to light.  Read more and see uniforms here.

McKechnie Field Now LECOM Park, Last-Surviving McKechnie Relative Not Happy

Earlier this month, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced a ballpark sponsorship deal that would rename their spring training facility LECOM Park.  Since 1962, the ballpark had been McKechnie Field in honor of Hall-of-Famer Bill McKechnie.  Read more here.  Carol Montgomery (85), McKechnie’s daughter, feels “it’s a slap in the face,” despite the move by the Pirates to rename their state-of-the-art home clubhouse in McKechnie’s honor.  Read more here.

Marauders Promote Warzecha to Assistant GM

PRESS RELEASE – The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced that Craig Warzecha has been promoted to Manager, Sales and Assistant General Manager of the Bradenton Marauders. Sales Director and Marauders General Manager Rachelle Madrigal announced the appointment, which is effective immediately.

Marauders Unveil 2016 Promo Slate

PRESS RELEASE – The Bradenton Marauders today announced the 2016 promotional schedule for weekly and daily promotions. Single game tickets for the 2016 Bradenton Marauders season will go on sale on Monday, February 22 at 9:00 a.m. The Marauders open the 2016 regular season on Saturday, April 9 at 6:30 p.m.

Pirates Unveil New Spring Training Clubhouse

PRESS RELEASE – The Pittsburgh Pirates today unveiled the club’s new Major League clubhouse at McKechnie Field, the team’s Spring Training ballpark in Bradenton, Fla.

Pirates Announce Improvements to McKechnie Field and Pirate City

PRESS RELEASE – The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced plans for two capital improvement projects to enhance baseball operations and training facilities at McKechnie Field and Pirate City.