Introduction to Baseball Teams and Spring Training in Fort Myers
Fort Myers, Florida, is well known for its warm climate and sunny beaches, making it a popular destination for sports teams from around the world. One of the most popular sports teams to hold their spring training in Fort Myers is Major League Baseball (MLB) teams. This article will provide an overview of the MLB teams that have held spring training in Fort Myers, as well as some of the history behind the city’s association with baseball.
History of Baseball in Fort Myers
The city of Fort Myers has had a long history with baseball, stretching back to the early 1900s when the city was first established. The city was home to the Fort Myers Palms, a semi-professional baseball team that played in the Florida State League from 1910-1921. The Palms were followed by the Fort Myers Palominos, a minor league team that played in the Florida East Coast League from 1923-1925.
In the 1940s, the city of Fort Myers was chosen as the spring training site for a number of Major League Baseball teams, including the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, and Philadelphia Athletics. During this time, the city was home to a number of minor league teams, including the Fort Myers Palms, Fort Myers Palominos, and Fort Myers Royals.
MLB Teams That Have Held Spring Training in Fort Myers
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox have held their spring training in Fort Myers since 1993. They are currently based at JetBlue Park at Fenway South, which is located near the city’s downtown area. The ballpark was built in 2012 and is modeled after Fenway Park in Boston. The Red Sox have a long history with Fort Myers, having first held their spring training in the city in the 1940s.
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians have held their spring training in Fort Myers since 1993. They are currently based at Hammond Stadium, which is the home of the Fort Myers Miracle, a minor league affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. The Indians first held their spring training in Fort Myers in the 1940s and have a long history with the city.
Philadelphia Athletics
The Philadelphia Athletics also held their spring training in Fort Myers in the 1940s. The team was based at Terry Park, which is now the home of the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, a minor league affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. The Athletics no longer hold their spring training in Fort Myers, but the city still has a strong connection to the team.
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins have held their spring training in Fort Myers since 1991. They are currently based at the CenturyLink Sports Complex, which is located near the city’s downtown area. The Twins have a long history with Fort Myers, having first held their spring training in the city in the 1940s.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays have held their spring training in Fort Myers since 2008. They are currently based at Charlotte Sports Park, which is located near the city’s downtown area. The Rays have a long history with Fort Myers, having first held their spring training in the city in the 1940s.
Other Professional Baseball Teams in Fort Myers
In addition to the MLB teams that have held their spring training in Fort Myers, the city is also home to a number of other professional baseball teams. These include the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, a minor league affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, and the Fort Myers Miracle, a minor league affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. Both teams play their home games at Hammond Stadium, which is located near the city’s downtown area.
Notable Players from Fort Myers
Fort Myers has produced a number of notable baseball players over the years, including Hall of Famers Dave Winfield, Gary Sheffield, and Jeff Bagwell. Other notable players from Fort Myers include current MLB players Miguel Cabrera, Giancarlo Stanton, and Christian Yelich.
Baseball Events in Fort Myers
Fort Myers is home to a number of baseball-related events throughout the year. These events include the annual Red Sox vs. Twins spring training game, the Florida State League All-Star Game, and the Fort Myers Miracle’s annual holiday baseball game.
Baseball Venues in Fort Myers
The city of Fort Myers is home to a number of baseball venues, including:
- JetBlue Park at Fenway South – The home of the Boston Red Sox’s spring training
- Hammond Stadium – The home of the Fort Myers Miracle and Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- CenturyLink Sports Complex – The home of the Minnesota Twins’ spring training
- Charlotte Sports Park – The home of the Tampa Bay Rays’ spring training
- Terry Park – The former home of the Philadelphia Athletics’ spring training
Conclusion
Fort Myers has a long and rich history with baseball, and is currently home to a number of professional and minor league teams. The city is also a popular destination for MLB teams, who have held their spring training in Fort Myers since the 1940s. This article has provided an overview of the MLB teams that have held their spring training in Fort Myers, as well as some of the history behind the city’s association with baseball.