Visitors come to Manasota Key from all over the world.  Wherever your hometown may be, there is a baseball experience waiting for you here.  Baseball has a strong tradition in Sarasota and Charlotte Counties.

charlotte-sports-parkThe Tampa Bay Rays, 2008 American League champions, hold their spring training at the newly renovated Charlotte Sports Park.

The Charlotte Stone Crabs, The Class A Advanced affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, also call the Sports Park their home turf.  The stadium has been completely refurbished to a gleaming, family-friendly venue. 

Completed in early 2009, the seating bowl showcases a 360 degree fan-friendly pedestrian concourse, a new luxury suite level, two outfield berms, a tiki bar, a children’s play area, and new group areas.  Capacity is approximately 6,000 fixed seats plus another 1,500 seats in the general admission areas.  

In addition, college teams representing NCAA and junior colleges from across the country flock to tournaments in Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands, including the Annual Snowbird Baseball Classic.  More than 20 Division III and several Division I colleges match up to play spring ball.

Location: 2300 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte, FL     MAP

ed-smith-stadium
2012 marked the third consecutive Spring Training for the Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota, and the second in the renovated Ed Smith Stadium.  With its modern amenities mixed with historical Florida architecture, Ed Smith Stadium has truly become "Birdland South."
 
Location:  2700 12th Street, Sarasota, FL   34237    MAP