Marauders’ Corbino Recognized As FSL 2025 Visiting Clubhouse Manager

Congratulations, Drake Corbino.

On Tuesday, in the cafeteria at Pirate City, the news traveled quickly. Bradenton Marauders’ general manager Craig Warzecha gave the official announcement that Corbino had been selected as the 2025 Class-A Florida State League Visiting Clubhouse Manager of the Year. According to Corbino, part of the Pirates’ family in Bradenton since March 2007, he didn’t have a clue that he was the special guest of the gathering.

“I was taken aback,” Corbino said to The Bradenton Times on Thursday. “I was being called up to give a speech.”

What Corbino’s colleagues were applauding was his attention to detail in making the Marauders’ opponents feel welcomed and were greeted with the utmost professionalism during their six-game series at LECOM Park throughout the season.

Just a few minutes sitting with Corbino in a conference room, and immediately it’s clear that the Bradenton native is passionate about his career. Energized, excited, and anxious to tackle whatever unexpected requests may pop up during his day, such as the request to remove a snake that has infiltrated the Pirates’ clubhouse during our conversation, he is clearly a man in control of his domain.

MiLB released the names of the winners of the head groundskeeper of each level of full-season leagues, along with visiting and home clubhouse managers. Justin Glover of the Clearwater Threshers is the FSL selection of Home Clubhouse Manager of the Year for 2025.

Although the Marauders’ uniforms are placed in mothballs until early April, there is much to do for Corbino at Pirate City. With 40 or so players working out this week at the facility, next up are two fantasy camps booked at Pirate City. December 6 is the start date for the annual one-week Pirates Fantasy Camp.

Cleaning uniforms, polishing shoes, and setting up the clubhouse are all part of what Corbino does well.

The 18 years of experience in working spring training and the fantasy camps are where Corbino continues to sharpen his penchant for details. The fantasy camps rank at the top of Corbino’s list of most enjoyable experiences at Pirate City and LECOM Park.

“There’s no pressure. The people come to have a good time, tell stories, and enjoy each other’s company.”

Without question, Corbino is singled out by Minor League Baseball for his commitment to delivering the best clubhouse experiences to players and coaches. Being a team of one during the Marauders’ season is both a joy and a call to detail for Corbino. His routine typically begins at 9 a.m. on gamedays. There are towels to prepare for the team, coolers to fill, and shelves to stock in the clubhouse.

Corbino then shuttles his skills to take care of the umpire's room. There, he preps 10 dozen baseballs for a day’s game. Once midday arrives, usually at 12:30 or 1 p.m., the visiting team’s bus pulls into LECOM Park. To make the clubhouse feel as cozy to the players as their home ballparks, Corbino meticulously places the uniforms in individual stalls according to the numbers on the back of each jersey.

The pre-game meal is also the visiting clubbies’ responsibility. Keeping the clubhouse clean and, while comfortably seated on his “rollie chair”, Corbino cleans players and coaches' shoes, then vacuums the floor, all before ordering the post-game meal. It’s typical for Corbino to call it a night at LECOM Park anywhere between 11:30 p.m. and midnight. He has, on rare occasions, still been on the job at 3:30 a.m.

During spring training, Corbino and the rest of the clubhouse attendants who make the Pirates and the minor leaguers’ experience as seamless as possible, totaling up to as many as 250 people in uniform, are constantly on the go. In the first 10 days of spring training, there are between five and six clubbies. There are four full locker rooms to tend to before the regular seasons get underway.

Corbino’s selection as FSL’s top visiting clubhouse manager comes through a process involving surveys completed by managers and players on their experience while in Bradenton. The surveys are given to the Marauders’ general manager, Warzecha. Comments from visitors are rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest.

“I’m one of the few who still takes care of their shoes,” explains Corbino of the Marauders’ opponents. “I like socializing with the players and being personable with them. Making a connection is important.”

Corbino isn’t shy to be appreciative of all that the Pirates’ organization has given to him over the years. It’s rare that someone has a career path reached and, by choice, remains put.

As the hitters currently in session at Pirate City are getting their work in and position players are getting their time on the field through this Friday, they can rest assured that when they finish their work, they will all be returning to the cleanest clubhouse in the State of Florida.

The more Corbino speaks of his responsibilities, it’s clear that no stone (or bat and ball) is left unturned to have visiting clubs leave Bradenton after a week’s stay armed with nothing but compliments on the whole Marauders’ baseball experience.

Corbino’s contribution to the Pirates has always been appreciated. Now, it’s FSL official that he is exceptional. Bravo, Drake. Take a bow.