As Marauders' season concludes, Baseball in Bradenton is better than ever

Everything, sooner or later, comes to an end—even a baseball season in Bradenton.

Sunday is the final regular-season game of the 2026 Florida State League schedule. I remember watching the opening game of the season on MLB.TV, as the Marauders played with the Dunedin Blue Jays on the road. Five months flew by. It’s not so much the scores and the standings in the FSL, at least to me, that count. It’s the game day experience that I miss the most, when LECOM Park is buttoned up for the winter months.

The familiar faces of the security guards, concession workers, the friendly faces working in the team store, the friendly Marauders employees; it’s easy to get used to them all. The giveaways, be it backpacks, t-shirts, jerseys, or towels that make a visit to the ballpark even more exciting, made arriving at LECOM Park extra early that much more enjoyable.

Who doesn’t love Marty the Marauder? The photos he takes with children and seeing the littlest fans smile as they hug their now-favorite mascot are priceless. Maybe scoring a ball, either handed over by Marty or if a foul ball should land in the seats nearest you, the mad dash by the kids can be as exciting to follow as a strikeout. Being at the ballpark is about having a fun experience and wanting to make a return visit. This defines Bradenton baseball.

For the better part of seven months, locals are treated to Pirates baseball. To start, in February, when spring training rolls in over at Pirate City, how exciting is it to see the ‘Boys of Pittsburgh’ back in town for six weeks? It’s a privilege to see the players growing professionally.

Paul Skenes, Konnor Griffin, and Seth Hernandez have, in recent years, led the list of prospects who are now turning heads in the big leagues and in Bradenton. Watching Hernandez pitch earlier this season, however briefly with the Marauders, was a privilege. Getting to talk with him earlier this season, and Griffin last year, plus throw in Murf Gray and Eddie King, Jr. from this season’s Marauders, and you have a group of all-star young men.

It’s fun to see the visiting teams come to LECOM Park for a week’s worth of games during homestands, but seeing the Marauders learning their craft is definitely worth the price of a ticket. And speaking of tickets, Bradenton fans are doubly rewarded during the summer when the Florida Coast League plays its games at Pirate City, usually at noon, though some games begin at 10 a.m. There is no admission charge. The toughest part of watching these games is the heat. I usually get three innings before needing to cool off.

The players who participate in August in the Bridge League schedule (many are recently drafted by the Pirates) have no names on the backs of their uniforms. You are watching the game because of your love for the game. Everyone is equal. Every player is beginning their dream of an MLB career.

Topping off the plethora of baseball offered in Manatee County from February through the first of September comes in early December. The Pirates fantasy camp brings nearly 100 campers, plus Pirate stars of the past, for about one week. Watching fans, seemingly ranging in age from their early 30s to 65 and older (male and female), decked out in authentic Pirates uniforms and playing games makes me jealous.

What baseball fans wouldn’t jump at an opportunity to get in touch with their inner Doc Graham and hit, run, and throw again? Then, after a two-month break, the Pirates/Marauders cycle begins all over again.

Are we lucky or what?