Mighty Mussels to Host Festival of Beers

The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (Single-A, Florida State League) will host the 15th annual Ballpark Festival of Beers from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, January 25, at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers (FL).  This event will offer an unlimited sampling of over 100 craft beers.  Read more and view photos here.  Get more details here.

Fire Frogs to Play in North Port

The Florida Fire Frogs (Single-A, Florida State League) finally have a (temporary) home.  Minor League Baseball has approved the Fire Frogs to play at the Atlanta Braves’ new North Port facility for the 2020 season.  The decision gives some finality to a question that hung over the team all offseason.  Read more here.

Florida State League Unveils New Logo

PRESS RELEASE – On Thursday, the Florida State League released a new look for the circuit as it enters its 101st year. The new Florida State League logo features a baseball sunburst over a silhouette of the Sunshine State in colors that are frequently associated with Florida and was created by Fooser Sports Design, a Florida-based graphic design company.

Fort Myers Miracle Become Mighty Mussels

After 28 seasons as the Fort Myers Miracle (Single-A, Florida State League), the team has been rebranded as the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels.  The new team name was unveiled to the public during a ballpark news conference Tuesday morning, alongside a logo set featuring the titular brawny bivalves in a variety of athletic poses.  Read more from Benjamin Hill here.  Read more from Chris Creamer here.

Details Emerge of MLB’s Master Plan to Contract MiLB Lineup

In recent weeks, details of the plan have been slowly leaking out, the MLB spin being it’s designed to (1) upgrade all the minor league facilities and (2) improve “wellness” for the minor leaguers in terms of travel and living conditions.  In truth, as always, it’s designed to save money, lots of money, and the proprietors of these minor league teams, many of whom have their life savings invested in them, be damned.  Read more here.  Read about the Erie SeaWolves and Connecticut Tigers here.  Read concerns in Erie (PA) about the SeaWolves here.  Read about the fight brewing in Daytona (FL) over the Tortugas here.

Zawyer Sports Announces New President, Management Team to Oversee Fort Myers Miracle

PRESS RELEASE – Zawyer Sports, owner of the Fort Myers Miracle baseball club and Jacksonville Icemen hockey team, as well as operator of spring training for the Minnesota Twins and Hammond Stadium, has announced a new management team for the growing company.  Andrew Kaufman, CEO of Jacksonville-based Zawyer Sports, has named Bob Ohrablo as president of Zawyer Sports. Ohrablo will oversee operations for both the Miracle and Icemen, as well as future Zawyer Sports business interests.

Fire Frogs Headed Back to Brevard County?

It appears the homeless Florida Fire Frogs (Single-A, Florida State League) could be headed back to Brevard County (FL), if a deal to sell the team to Cocoa Baseball Group LLC is indeed consummated.  In a motion filed with the Orange County Clerk of Courts on Oct.  7 (“Tennessee Manatee’s Emergency Motion for Order Requiring Sale of the Club Pursuant to Cocoa Baseball Club, LLC Purchase Agreement to Avoid Forfeiture of that Asset”), it includes details of a Management Agreement dated Oct. 3, 2019 (“Exhibit 3”), which provides the following:

Terry Reynolds Named President of the Florida State League

PRESS RELEASE – The Florida State League today announced longtime baseball executive Terry Reynolds will become the league’s new president on Jan. 1, 2020. Reynolds will take over for retiring league president Ken Carson, who ran the league for the past five seasons.

Miracle to Go Major League Saturday

On Saturday, May 18, fans of the Fort Myers Miracle (Single-A, Florida State League) will have a chance to meet actor Corbin Bernsen, who played character Roger Dorn from the film Major League.  Bernsen will be at Hammond Stadium signing autographs and posing for photos with fans at Major League Night, when the first 500 Miracle fans through the gate will receive custom Roger Dorn jerseys.  Read more here.

Dunedin Blue Jays to Play at Jack Russell Stadium in 2019

After approval from the City of Clearwater (FL) City Council, the Dunedin Blue Jays (Single-A, Florida State League) will be playing their 2019 home games at Jack Russell Stadium. The change comes in the midst of renovations beginning on April 1 at their current home, Dunedin Stadium.  Read more here.

Tortugas Promote Jaworski to GM

PRESS RELEASE – The Daytona Tortugas are proud to announce the promotion of Jim Jaworski as the team’s General Manager. The Tortugas enter the 2019 season with plenty of momentum within the community and strive to be Central Florida’s premier destination for family-friendly, affordable entertainment.

Threshers Announce New General Manager, Staff Promotions

PRESS RELEASE – The Clearwater Threshers are proud to announce new leadership for the club with Jason Adams named the General Manager. This recognition, plus additional promotions and updated staffing continue the Threshers’ record of setting the bar for excellence in the Florida State League and reinforces the team’s commitment to being a community partner of Clearwater while providing the best in affordable, family-friendly entertainment.

Tortugas Announce Big SHELLbowski Night

PRESS RELEASE – The Daytona Tortugas announce their Big SHELLbowski Night for Saturday, July 14th, when Daytona takes on the Bradenton Maruaders at Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The Tortugas will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the cult classic film with the best bobblehead of the year and the biggest party of the summer. Well, that’s like, our opinion, man.

Miracle to be Groupers for One Game

PRESS RELEASE – The Fort Myers Miracle are paying homage to Southwest Florida’s favorite fish by changing the team’s name to the Fort Myers Groupers. Miracle fans can breathe a sigh of relief… it’s only for one game!

Tortugas Tantilizing Tee Up for the 2018 Season

There is a lot going on in Daytona (FL), as the Daytona Tortugas (Single-A, Florida State League) have announced a new video board, the Shell’s Kitchen food truck, and cool new ball caps honoring colleges in the state.  Now comes a new alternate logo for the batting-practice cap designed by Dan Simon of Studio Simon.

Tortugas to Add Video Board

The Daytona Tortugas made a monumental announcement and investment into Jackie Robinson Ballpark Tuesday morning. The fan experience at historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark will get an upgrade when the Tortugas add a 36-foot wide, state-of-the-art LED video board to “The Jack” in time for Opening Day, April 5, 2018.  Read more here.

Miracle’s Festival of Beers Returning Jan. 27

The Fort Myers Miracle (Single-A, Florida State League) and Hammond Stadium will host the 14th annual Ballpark Festival of Beer from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27.  Read more here.

Miami Stadium (aka Bobby Maduro Stadium) Gets Historical Marker

For thousands of kids who grew up in Miami (FL), going to the old Miami Stadium in the Allapattah neighborhood was a part of coming of age.  Read more here.  See GoFundMe page here.

It’s the ‘Tampa Tarpons’

PRESS RELEASE – When the Single-A affiliate of the New York Yankees takes the field for the 2018 season, it will mark the return of Tarpons baseball to the Florida State League after a 30-year absence. The Tampa Tarpons played in the league from 1957 through 1987, winning titles in 1957, 1959 and 1961.

Bob Ross Night Tonight in Daytona

The Daytona Tortugas (Single-A, Florida State League) are gearing up for the most unique and historic week of promotions at Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, beginning with Bob Ross Night on Saturday, July 15th.  Read more here.

Fire Frogs Unveil Uniforms

The Florida Fire Frogs (Single-A, Florida State League), the team formerly known as the Brevard County Manatees that is preparing to begin its first season based in Kissimmee, revealed their uniforms this week at the Osceola County Fair.  Read more here.  View jerseys here.

Fire Frogs Facebook photo.

Fort Myers Miracle Unveil 25th Anniversary Logo

PRESS RELEASE – The Fort Myers Miracle, Advanced-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, are pleased to present the official 25th anniversary logo that will mark a season-long celebration in 2017 and commemorate the history of the Miracle in Southwest Florida.

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.

Tampa Yankess Announce $40 Million in Renovations for George M. Steinbrenner Field

PRESS RELEASE – From the new Loge Boxes and shaded Cabanas, to the construction of a two-story gift shop, George M. Steinbrenner Field is evolving and changing the way fans will experience Tampa Yankees games and Spring Training games. The $40 million renovation project began in August and is expected to continue until pitchers and catchers report in February.

It’s the ‘Florida Fire Frogs’

During an unveiling gala at the Osceola Heritage Club, it was announced that the new Single-A Florida State League franchise taking up residence at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee (FL) will be known as Florida Fire Frogs.  The former Brevard County Manatees relocated from Viera (FL) following the 2016 season.  Read more here.  View press release here.

Tortugas Appoint New Team President

PRESS RELEASE – The ownership of the Daytona Tortugas today announced that Ryan Keur has been appointed president of the Advanced-A club. Keur comes to Daytona Beach as a heavily recruited, dynamic leader with a strong record of success and a mandate to expand the Tortugas brand within the local community.

Eight Teams Host Bobblection 2016, Miracle Offer Third Party Party

PRESS RELEASE – Traditionally, the state of Florida’s 29 electoral votes are coveted amongst presidential candidates, but on Thursday, August 25, Hammond Stadium will be the third stop of BOBBLECTION 2016 presented by Jelly Beadz, WJBX News, Talk & More and Beasley Media.

Tortugas to be Daytona Beach Islanders for Throwback Night

PRESS RELEASE – The Daytona Tortugas have announced Throwback Night at Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark for their game on Saturday, August 27th. The Tortugas will revert to a past franchise and honor the Daytona Beach Islanders throughout the night.

Miracle to Host Beer, Baseball & Boom: Craft Beer Fest!

PRESS RELEASE – Beer aficionados, baseball fanatics and fireworks lovers, the Fort Myers Miracle have expertly crafted the perfect evening for you… Beer, Baseball and Boom! The sixth annual Craft Beer Festival is set for Saturday, August 13 at Hammond Stadium.

Stone Crabs Announce Stoney’s Retirment, Search Begins for New Mascot

PRESS RELEASE – Stoney, the adored mascot of the Charlotte Stone Crabs, Advanced ‘A’ affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, has officially announced his retirement effective at the end of the 2016 season. The Stone Crabs are hosting a Retirement Party on August 20th, when the team hosts Bradenton at 6:05 p.m. with Stoney’s retirement ceremony to begin at roughly 5:15 p.m.

Finalists Revealed for Osceola County’s ‘Name the Team’ Contest

Six “Name the Team” finalists have been chosen for the relocating Brevard County Manatees (Single-A, Florida State League), which will make Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee (FL) home starting next season.  Fans have until 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, August 18th, to select one of the following names: Florida Dragonflies, Florida Fire Frogs, Florida Mud Kickers, Florida Rodeo Clowns, Florida Sorcerers, Florida Toucans.  Read more about the names and vote here.

Relocating Manatees Launch ‘Name the Team’ Campaign

After the the ownership announced this week that the Brevard County Manatees (Single-A, Florida State League) will be moving to Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee (FL) beginning the 2017 season, they didn’t waste time any time in launching a name the team contest.  Read more here.  Submit name suggestions here.

Brevard County Commissioner Prepares to Propose Titusville Ballpark

Brevard County (FL) Commissioner Robin Fisher is assembling a proposal to build a $25-million, minor league baseball stadium and community events center at the site of Sand Point Park in Titusville.  Read more here.

Manatees Name Lovitt GM

PRESS RELEASE – The Brevard County Manatees are pleased to announce the promotion of Chad Lovitt to the position of General Manager. Having previously held the position of Assistant General Manager, Lovitt has been a full-time member of the organization since January 2012.

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.

‘Festival of Beers’ Returns to Hammond Stadium Saturday

PRESS RELEASE – Filling glasses with more than 75 beers from around the world, the Ballpark Festival of Beers presented by Good Deals Appliances, Jenn-Air, Whirlpool and Michael F. Hornung, P.A. Attorneys at Law is the quintessential celebration of brews in Southwest Florida.

Stone Crabs Under New Ownership

PRESS RELEASE – The Charlotte Stone Crabs are officially under new ownership as the sale of the team from Ripken Baseball to the CBI group, Caribbean Baseball Initiative, has been approved by Major League Baseball and all appropriate parties. CBI, led by Lou Schwechheimer has taken over the majority ownership of the organization.

Construction Begins on New Bullpen Club at RDS

Construction began this week on an addition to Roger Dean Stadium – the new Bullpen Club. The Bullpen Club will replace the existing berm in right field, behind the Cardinals bullpen. The addition of this new area will bring to the Stadium what fans have been asking for – a seating location that will allow a great view of the game along with premium seating features.

D-Jays to Welcome College Football Season

PRESS RELEASE – The Dunedin Blue Jays will welcome the beginning of the college football season with College Football Kickoff Night at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium on Monday, August 31st when the D-Jays host the Tampa Yankees. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:30PM.

USSSA Space Coast Stadium Deal Approved: 5 Things You Should Know About It

Brevard County (FL) commissioners last week approved a lease agreement with the U.S. Specialty Sports Association, under which the USSSA will move its headquarters from Kissimmee to Space Coast Stadium in Viera, the current home of the Brevard County Manatees (Single-A, Florida State League).  Read more here.