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Florida Spring Training: Your Guide To Touring The Grapefruit League |
McKechnie Field is hidden away in a corner of Bradenton, well off the beaten path. It’s worth looking for, however, because when you find it, you’ll be pleased. Everything seems to be a little better here than at most Spring Training sites. The grass is greener, the people friendlier, the stadium prettier, and the atmosphere livelier. Perhaps that’s because many people in the town are personally invested in making McKechnie Field one of the best Spring Training sites in baseball. The stadium, which had a major renovation in 1992, has been on the same site since 1923, and the Pirates have been training in Bradenton for 34 years. Together, the two are woven into the fabric of the town. In fact, McKechnie’s local booster club raised the money for the renovations, and its 120 members run the stadium on a volunteer basis. There’s no need for tax dollars here. The townsfolk feel strongly enough about keeping baseball in their backyard that they do the job themselves. That makes McKechnie Field an extra special place. The park is quaint, evoking images of stadiums long gone. There is no big wall around the stands and playing field. Instead, the roof and stadium are made of exposed metal beams painted green. When you walk inside, you’re treated to one of the friendliest staffs you’ll find anywhere, thanks again to the booster club. The stadium has few employees; nearly everyone working here is a booster club member and volunteer. They’re easy to spot in their yellow polo shirts. All 120 members seem to pitch in. Despite its average size, McKechnie Field is one of the most intimate ballparks in the Grapefruit League, thanks to the booster club. After the stadium was renovated in 1992, the boosters looked at it and decided the front row was too far from the diamond. They raised more money to add several rows down front to bring the action closer to the fans. Didn't find what you were looking for? Try a Google search.
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