Spending a week in Florida was one of my favorite parts of playing college baseball. One of our more notable Westminster trips was to the Homestead Sports Complex, where parts of “Any Given Sunday” were filmed. The next year, as a senior, I pitched in four games over two days.
As a baseball beat writer, I've enjoyed the same sort of relationship with Florida for spring training, though I somehow doubt the Pirates will let me pitch. There are few things more enjoyable than skipping out on the rotten weather up north and somehow getting paid to do it.
If you've never traveled to Florida's gulf coast, I can't recommend it enough. The baseball, sure. That's fun. But Bradenton and the surrounding area ... trust me, you'll be glad you did. If you are in the process of making spring training plans, here are some tips from someone who does this for a living:
1. Games are played at LECOM Park, but the best fan experience is probably Pirate City — and it’s free. First workout for pitchers and catchers is scheduled for Wednesday. The team will work out at Pirate City until games start on Feb. 25.
If you’ve never been, there are four main fields surrounding a tower. There are restricted areas, obviously, but getting autographs and pictures with players and coaches is much more easily done here than once games start.
Also, there’s a fruit farm next door called Mixon’s. It’s supposed to close in 2024, so it’s probably best to act now. Absolutely a rite of passage. Make sure to order the orange twist ice cream.
2. Finding things to do obviously isn’t hard down there, but beach-wise, my recommendation would be Holmes Beach. Parking can sometimes be difficult; however, it’s clean, not ridiculous or over-run by spring breakers, and the snack/tiki bar area rocks.
If the beach isn’t your thing, the Bradenton Riverwalk offers gorgeous views of the Manatee River. It’s one of my favorite running spots anywhere. So peaceful, especially when the sun sets.
If you’re near Sarasota, a hidden gem is the New College of Florida. Not attending school, obviously, but we used to stay down the road from there. Giant patch of grass and Adirondack chairs where you can read and watch the sun set.
3. The restaurants down there are my favorite part. Could easily knock out a top-10 list on these alone.
Pier 22 is right on the water and gorgeous. Sneaky good happy hour. Across the street is a place called Oak & Stone: outstanding pizza and a pay-by-the-ounce beer wall. A couple blocks inland, O’Brick’s is a weird mix of martini bar and Irish pub. But the food is outstanding, and the place is usually packed.
If you’re willing to drive, our two favorite seafood spots are Tide Tables, overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Ugly Grouper on Anna Maria Island. Grouper is native to the area, and you can’t go wrong with grouper tacos at either place.
For quicker options, and if you’re not a seafood fan, Primo Ristorante is our go-to Italian spot, while FOOD+BEER — yes, food and beer — is a consistently solid sports bar worth trying.
4. I’m a big dessert guy — it’s half the reason I run — and two of my favorites for that sort of stuff are Alice Scooper’s, which my family has heard about approximately 5,000 times this offseason, and the Shake Pit, an old-school dairy mart I learned about via AT&T SportsNet’s Robby Incmikoski.
Alice Scooper’s is incredible, though. In Palmetto, on the other side of the river. They have a cinnamon roll ice cream with a cream cheese frosting swirl that will change your life.
5. If you’re going to LECOM Park for a game, arrive as soon as the gates open. During spring training, you never know who or what you may see. Bring stuff to sign, hang out along one of the baselines and don’t treat players like they’re animals at the zoo.
Honestly, I wouldn’t even bother worrying about road games. Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota is the closest, and you’re not missing anything there. The Braves’ home in North Port might be the only option. The Rays are no longer playing in Port Charlotte.
George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla., is cool. It’s a mini-replica of old Yankee stadium, named after the team’s longtime owner.
But what is often said about LECOM Park really is true: It’s an incredible place to watch a game. Still has an old-time feel in the bleachers, but there’s plenty to eat and drink; a big, open area to bask in the sunshine; and plenty to see and do.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport has been one of the fastest growing airports in the country and now features direct Southwest flights down and back on Saturdays and Sundays, with prices that are generally friendly.
While we stay at an Airbnb — better value over seven weeks — one of my favorite hotels in North America is the SpringHill Suites in Downtown Bradenton. Rooftop bar. Across from Pier 22. Right on the Riverwalk. Overlooking the water. Incredible views.
Florida generally doesn’t do much for me when it comes to pro sports travel — if I never went to Miami again, I’d be thrilled — but it’s hard to not love Bradenton and the surrounding area.
It’s not as busy or commercialized as other parts of the state. And it’s so much fun when it comes to getting up close and personal with baseball.
Jason Mackey: jmackey@post-gazette.com and Twitter @JMackeyPG.
First Published: February 12, 2023, 10:30 a.m.