SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – Baseball is back, and this year ABC7 has the bases loaded for a jam-packed special. You can view the entire program in this article.
In 1915, the Grapefruit League made their home in the Sunshine State. It was named for the fruit one aviator threw down to the Brooklyn Dodger’s manager to kick off the season.
Fifteen teams practice in Florida. The Suncoast is home to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles.
As the Suncoast prepared for the much-anticipated opening weekend, our hosts Xavier McKnight and Jon Cerio bring us along the journey with the people behind the scenes making it all possible – keeping fans and players happy.
Jon Cerio begins the special speaking with one Ed Smith Stadium usher, who makes baseball cards for players who don’t get cards of their own. It’s a special experience for this usher, who receives genuine gratitude from all the players he interacts with.
Our Ellie Davis then profiled a couple who work at CoolToday Park. They’ve worked at the stadium for seven seasons and are always starstruck by the legendary players. They recount the time they watched the Braves win the world series, just a few years ago.
Then our Benjamin Edelman stopped by the Miracle League of Manasota. The Miracle League offers opportunities for players with all abilities to play Baseball.
Every year, Pirates players host a fantasy camp, giving the athletes tips and pointers. You won’t want to miss one special player with hopes of filling his jersey with as many signatures as he can.
Bob Harrigan traveled to LECOM Park, to speak with former player Mike Lavalliere. Mike moved to Bradenton when he was traded to the team in 1988. He remembers a famous close call that cost the Pirates the World Series. He shares thrilling and positive memories of his time with the team, and his time teaching young athletes in Bradenton.
After profiling so many important people part of our spring training ecosystem, we take a closer look at the preps and events leading up to opening weekend.
Spring training begins with a 1,000-mile journey. Trucks load up with all the teams’ gear, and travel to Florida.
Meanwhile, stadiums are showing off what’s new. That includes Ed Smith stadium, now offering brand new facilities for players.
Baseball is always top of mind for our fans, especially after a deadly hurricane season blew the roof off the Trop.
Major League Baseball is working hard for a partnership to bring the Tampa Bay Rays to the heart of Tampa – now showing a first look at the Rays’ new home. It takes a village to prepare for the season.
All that prep begins with taking care of the team’s gear. Jon Cerio profles Pirate City’s equipment manager who has been with the team for more than 30 seasons.
And while boots on the ground are keeping the teams ready to go, no one is more excited for a new season of baseball than sports reporters.
Xavier McKnight speaking to our sister stations for what they hope to see this year.
And before teams play any games, full squad workouts are open to the public. Jon Cerio catches up with fans at Ed Smith, watching all the action.
In North Port, the Atlanta Braves hosting a welcome week open house. Xavier McKnight reports on autograph alley and the Palmer’s Port Party.
And then, the opening weekend arrives. Stadiums go from empty to full, and the energy is felt. Our Megan Kennedy spoke with fans at LECOM Park, Ellie Davis showing off the staff impact at CoolToday Park, and Davis Suppes speaking to brand new faces in the dugout for the Baltimore Orioles.
Spring training really does bring a special feeling to the Suncoast. It’s a walk-off win for all of our cities. You can watch the entire special above.
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