Buccos Being Back in Bradenton has Benefits Beyond Baseball

With the start of spring training in less than two weeks, having the Pittsburgh Pirates back in Bradenton is a boon for Manatee County beyond basepaths.

How quickly a year went. It seems like it was just weeks rather than nearly a year for me that baseball activity in Bradenton temporarily ceased. When the Pirates left their “Southern Home” last March to embark on the MLB regular season, the Bradenton Marauders stepped up to the plate for a full season of Single-A Florida State League baseball.

Come August, some of the better prospects in the Pirates’ minor league chain arrived in Bradenton for the Complex League. For the following couple of months, if you drove past Pirate City, there was a good chance that you would see players working out on one of the four fields.

In December, the annual Pirates fantasy camp was the main attraction at Pirate City. Nearly 100 campers, many of whom were accompanied by family members, came to fulfill their baseball dreams by playing on the same fields as the current Pirates utilize during spring training, and occupied the very same clubhouse that Paul Skenes and the rest of the Pirates call home for six weeks each spring.

Come February 11, the baseball cycle begins all over again. On the first day of pitchers and catchers working out, it’s a given that fans will be lining up with thoughts of snagging a few autographs and enjoying watching their favorite club going through drills.

Many of these fans won’t be from Bradenton and Manatee County. They travel far and wide to catch early glimpses of their Pirates. This means motel rooms will be booked, vehicles will need gasoline or charged, and restaurants will be feeding our visitors. Those not electing to eat out will likely be eating in, which will require trips to local grocery stores.

Yep, when the Pirates come to town, locals should shout out a big thank you. The "Open for Business" sign is hung.

Remember, along with fans flying, driving, or Amtraking their way to Bradenton, others will follow. Media members covering the team from out-of-town need lodging, food, rental cars, and entertainment during their off hours.

Once the 17-game Grapefruit League schedule for LECOM Park begins, fans by the thousands will be making their way to Bradenton. Some, crossing the county line from Sarasota when the Baltimore Orioles are the opponents at LECOM Park. A fair amount of Philadelphia Phillies fans will make the quick ride over from Pinellas County to root for the Clearwater-based National League club. Tampa Bay Rays fans seem to travel in large numbers from their home territory of St. Petersburg.

When the ball games begin, all the security workers, concession stand workers, and those selling merchandise inside LECOM Park, they, too, make a daily economic impact on our region. Hopefully, the pleasant visits by newcomers and repeat customers to Bradenton will lead to them coming back for Marauder games.

As hard as you would cheer for the Pirates to win a game, just by being part of the support process, the organization and community score big.

On Saturday, February 11, from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., the Annual Pirates Block Party is scheduled in downtown Bradenton. The event at Old Main Street promises a band, games, autograph opportunities, and the always-popular free t-shirt. The restaurants located on Old Main Street last year were all packed throughout the Party. What a fantastic (and free) time is offered.

The level of support the Pirates provide to big and small businesses each year is something most fans have no reason to think about. However, it is real and really important locally.

Spring training truly is the most wonderful time of the year for Bradenton.